Senior Division, No. 282, Fourth Quarter, 1965
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THE BLESSING OF DAILY STUDY
"The beauty and riches of the Word have a transforming influence on
mind and character."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
page 132.
"There is nothing more calculated to strengthen the intellect than the study
of the Scriptures. No other book is so potent to elevate the thoughts, to give
vigor to the faculties, as the broad, ennobling truths of the Bible. If God's
Word were studied as it should be, men would have a breadth of mind, a
nobility of character, and a stability of purpose rarely seen in these times."—
Steps to Christ,
page go.
My Daily Lesson Study Pledge
As one who greatly desires to improve his knowledge of the Scriptures, I pledge
myself to the careful and prayerful study of some portion of my Sabbath school
lesson each day of the week.
Nana
Lesson Titles for the Quarter
1.
What Is the Church?
2.
The Purpose and Function of the Church
3.
The Divine Leader of the Church
4.
Christ's Representative on Earth
.5.
The Human Leaders of the Church
6.
Objectives and Methods of Church Organization
7.
Authority and Discipline in the Church
8.
The Spiritual Life of Church Members
9.
The Ordinances of the Church
10.
The Church at Worship
11.
God's Plan for Financing Church Activities
12.
Unity in Christ
13.
The Church in the Last Days
Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly, No. 282, October-December, 1965. 20 cents a single copy, 75 cents a
year (four issues) ; no additional charge to countries requiring extra postage. Published in the U.S.A.
by Pacific Press Publishing Association (a corporation of S.D.A.), 1350 Villa Street, Mountain View,
California 94041. Second-class mail privileges authorized at Mountain View, California. Form 3579
requested. When a change of address is desired, please be sure to send both old and new addresses.
Copyright, 1965, by Pacific Press Publishing Association
Printed in U.S.A.
Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly
THE CHURCH IN THE CHRISTIAN ERA
GENERAL INTRODUCTION
"The church is God's fortress, His city
of refuge, which He holds in a revolted
world. . . .
"Enfeebled and defective as it may ap-
pear, the church is the one object upon
which God bestows in a special sense His su-
preme regard. It is the theater of His grace,
in which He delights to reveal His power
to transform hearts."—The
Acts of the
Apostles,
pages 11, 12.
"Nothing else in this world is so dear to
God as His church. Nothing is guarded by
Him with such jealous care. Nothing so
offends God as an act that injures the in-
fluence of those who are doing His service."
—Testimonies,
Vol. 6, page 42.
"God has a church on earth who are
lifting up the downtrodden law, and pre-
senting to the world the Lamb of God that
taketh away the sins of the world. The
church is the depositary of the wealth of
the riches of the grace of Christ, and
through the church eventually will be made
manifest the final and full display of the
love of God to the world that is to be
lightened with its glory. The prayer of
Christ that His church may be one as He
was one with His Father will finally be
answered. The rich dowry of the Holy
Spirit will be given, and through its con-
stant supply to the people of God they
will become witnesses in the world of the
power of God unto salvation."—Testi-
monies to Ministers,
page 50.
Lesson 1, for October 2, 1965
What is the Church?
MEMORY VERSE:
"And hath put all things under His feet, and gave
.
Him to be the
head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him that
filleth all in all." Eph. 1:22, 23.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Desire of Ages," pages 412-414; "Testimonies to Ministers,"
pages 15-23; "The Acts of the Apostles," pages 595, 596; "S.D.A. Bible Com-
mentary."
STUDY AIM:
To discover the teaching of the Bible concerning the nature of the
church.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey;
study helps.
0
begin learning memory verse.
Wednesday: Questions 11-14.
0
Sunday: Questions 1-3.
Thursday: Finish reading study
Monday: Questions 4-7.
helps.
Tuesday: Questions 8-10; read from
Friday: Review entire lesson.
[ 3 ]
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. The Body of Christ
1.
Various meanings of the word
"church" in the New Testament.
2.
Local churches, a part of the
universal church. 1 Cor. 1:2.
3.
All members make up the body of
Christ. Eph. 1:22, 23; 4:12;
Rom. 12:4, 5.
II. The Household of God
4.
The reconciled enter the household
of God. Eph. 2:18, 19.
5.
Includes more than human beings.
Eph. 3:14, 15; Heb. 12:22-24.
6.
The function of angels in the
household. Heb. 1:13, 14; Ps. 34:7.
7.
God's gracious purpose for human
beings. Eph. 1:3-6; Gal. 4:4-6.
8.
Membership, possible only through
Christ. Eph. 2:12, 13, 16, 18.
9.
Man's part in becoming a member.
2 Cor. 6:17, 18; John 1:12.
10.
The bond of love unites the family.
1 John 4:7, 10, 11.
III. The Temple of God
11.
The church, a temple of God.
Eph. 2:21.
12.
Jesus, the Cornerstone. Eph. 2:20;
1 Cor. 3:11.
13.
Christians, "living stones" in the
temple. 1 Peter 2:5; 1 Cor. 3:16.
14.
The Holy Spirit quarries and
builds. Eph. 2:22.
THE LESSON
Introduction
ANSWER.—(a) Gatherings for worship,
1 Cor. 11:18; 14:4, 28, 35.
The Greek word translated as "church"
throughout the New Testament is
ekklesia.
It was used as anciently as the time of
Homer for any regularly called or sum-
moned assembly. Greek dictionaries define
--
it as "an assembly of citizens regularly
convened." See Acts 19:32 for this use of
the word. Literally, it means "a calling
out." The common use of this word among
Greeks was as a verb meaning "to hold or
to summon an assembly."
When the number of Jews living in
Greek-speaking lands became large, before
the birth of Christ, the Old Testament was
translated into the Greek language, begin-
ning with the third century B.c. In this
translation, now commonly called the
Septuagint, the word
ekklesia
was used to
translate the Hebrew word
qahal,
which in
the Old Testament designates assemblies of
Hebrews, and also was used for the entire
community of Israel (Deut. 4:10; 9:10;
23:7, 8; Judges 20:2). Thus, when the
New Testament was written, the word
ekklesia
was well-known as a Greek des-
ignation for God's people.
The Body of Christ
1. In what various ways is the
word "church" used in the New
Testament?
(b)
Of local Christian groups or con-
gregations, as the totality of Christians
living in one place, Matt. 18:17; Acts 5:11;
8:3; and with the name added, Acts 8:1;
Rom. 16:1; 1 Thess. 1:1; and of house
congregations, Rom. 16:5; 1 Cor. 16:19.
"Church" is not used in the New Testament
to designate specifically a building. During
the first few centuries of the Christian Era
Christians generally were not permitted to
erect places of worship; they met in homes
or any building they could get that would
accommodate them.
(c)
Of the entire body of Christians,
the church universal to which all believers
belong, Matt. 16:18; 1 Cor. 12:28; Eph.
1:22; 5:25, 27, 32;1 Tim. 3:15; Heb. 12:23.
2.
How does Paul state the fact
that a local church is a part of God's
universal church 1 Cor. 1:2.
3.
What else is the church called?
Eph. 1:22, 23; 4:12; Rom. 12:4, 5.
NOTE.—The church is a brotherhood of
believers, a spiritual communion, a loving
[4]
fellowship of those whom God accepts as
sons and daughters, and who, joined to
Christ, the Head of the church, are His
body, His covenant community. The church
may exist in a visible company in Jeru-
salem, Tokyo, Bombay, Rio de Janeiro,
or Centerville. All these are equally the
church, for they share in the life of Christ,
the Head of the church body; they are
founded upon Him and guided by Him.
The most essential characteristic of the
living church is Jesus Christ's abiding in
the minds and hearts of those who have
accepted Him as their Saviour, who love
Him and one another. It is a life union
between Christ and His people, created by
the mysterious working of the Holy Spirit.
The Household of God
4.
Into what home are those
brought who have been reconciled to
God? Eph. 2:18, 19.
5.
Who else besides God's children
on this earth make up the church of
God? Eph. 3:14, 15; Heb. 12:22-24.
NOTE.—"The church of God below is one
with the church of God above. Believers
on the earth and the beings in heaven who
have never fallen constitute one church.
Every heavenly intelligence is interested in
the assemblies of the saints who on earth
meet to worship God. In the inner court
of heaven they listen to the testimony of
the witnesses for Christ in the outer court
on earth, and the praise and thanksgiving
from the worshipers below is taken up in
the heavenly anthem, and praise and rejoic-
ing sound through the heavenly courts
because Christ has not died in vain for
the fallen sons of Adam. While angels
drink from the fountainhead, the saints on
earth drink of the pure streams flowing
from the throne, the streams that make
glad the city of our God. Oh, that we
could all realize the nearness of heaven to
earth
!"—Testimonies,
Vol. 6, p. 366.
6.
What special function or duty
in the household of God has been
assigned to the angels? Heb. 1:13, 14;
Ps. 34:7.
NoTE.—"The Lord gives to every angel
his work for this fallen world. Divine
help is provided for men and women. . .
"The angels of God are communicating
with and guarding His people, and are
pressing back the powers of darkness that
they shall not have any control over those
who shall be heirs of salvation. Are we
working in harmony with the angels?
This is the line of communication the Lord
has established with the children of men.
"The Lord Jesus has a special work
appointed for each of the angelic family."
—Ellen G. White Comments,
S.D.A. Bible
Commentary,
Vol. 7, p. 923.
"When the earthborn children know it
not, they have angels of light as their
companions. A silent witness guards every
soul that lives, seeking to draw that soul
to Christ. As long as there is hope, until
men resist the Holy Spirit to their eternal
ruin, they are guarded by heavenly intel-
ligences."—Testimonies, Vol. 6, pages 366,
367.
"His angels are appointed to watch over
us, and if we put ourselves under their
guardianship, then in every time of danger
they will be at our right hand. When un-
consciously we are in danger of exerting
a wrong influence, the angels will be by
our side, prompting us to a better course,
choosing our words for us, and influencing
our
actions."—Christ's Object Lessons,
pages 341, 342.
7.
Why should Christians be espe-
cially grateful to the heavenly Father?
Eph. 1:3-6; Gal. 4:4-6.
"Infinite love—how great it is!
God
made the world to enlarge heaven. He
desires a larger family of created intelli-
gences. . . .
"God created man for His own glory,
that after test and trial the human family
might become one with the heavenly fam-
ily. It was God's purpose to repopulate
heaven with the human family, if they
would show themselves obedient to His
every word."—Ellen G. White Comments,
S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
Vol.
1, pp.
1081,
1082.
[ 6]
8.
How only can human beings
become members of God's household?
Eph. 2:12, 13, 16, 18.
9.
What is our part in the process
of becoming members of God's fam-
ily? 2 Cor. 6:17, 18; John 1:12.
10.
What bond holds the members
of God's household together? 1 John
4:7, 10,
11.
The Temple of God
11.
What other symbol is used to
describe the church?
Eph. 2:21.
12.
What central position does
Jesus Christ have in this temple? Eph.
2:20; 1 Cor. 3:11.
13.
Who are the stones in this
temple?
1 Peter
2:5; 1 Cor. 3:16.
14.
Who is the heavenly agent in
the building of the temple? Eph. 2:22.
NOTE.—"The Spirit is given as a regen-
erating agency, to make effectual the
salvation wrought by the death of our
Redeemer. . . .
"If men• are willing to be molded, there
will be brought about a sanctification of
the whole being. The Spirit will take the
things of God and stamp them on the
soul."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
pages
52, 53.
"The Holy Spirit is to animate and per-
vade the whole church, purifying and
cementing
hearts."—Testimonies,
Vol. 9,
p. 20.
"They are living stones, quarried out
from the world by the truth; and the
great Master Builder, the Lord of the
temple, is now hewing and polishing them,
and fitting them for their respective places
in the spiritual temple. When completed,
this temple will be perfect in all its parts,
the admiration of angels and of men; for
its Builder and Maker is God."—Ellen G.
White Comments,
S.D A. Bible Commen-
tary,
Vol. 2, p. 1029.
Thoughts for Personal Meditation
1.
Do I appreciate God's graciousness in
adopting me into His family?
2.
Do I cooperate with the angels as they
seek to influence my mind away from evil
and toward heavenly things?
3.
Do I love the members of God's fam-
ily among whom I live?
Lesson 2, for October 9, 1965
The Purpose and Function of the Church
MEMORY VERSE:
"Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did
beseech you by us:
we
pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God."
2 Cor. 5:20.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Acts of the Apostles," pages 9-16; "Prophets and Kings,"
pages 259, 260, 713-720; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary."
STUDY AIM:
To seek to learn the purpose for which God established the church,
and the major responsibility of each member.
[6
]
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey;
begin learning memory verse.
Sunday: Questions 1-4.
Monday: Questions 5, 6; read from
study helps.
Tuesday: Questions 7-12.
Check Here
Wednesday: Questions 13, 14; read
from study helps.
Thursday: Finish reading study
helps.
0
Friday: Review entire lesson.
0
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. An Agency for Calling Men Back
to God
1.
Calling out a people for His name.
Acts 15:12-17.
2.
Ministry of reconciliation.
2 Cor. 5:18, 19.
3.
The basic message. 2 Cor. 5:20, 21.
4.
The effect of this message. Titus
3:3-7.
II. A Home in Which Believers are
Strengthened
5. Salvation a continuing process.
Acts 2:41-47.
6. A place for sanctifying and perfect-
ing. Eph. 5:25-27.
III. A Means for Vindicating God and
Accomplishing His Work
7. A demonstration to heavenly
beings. Eph. 3:10, 11.
8. Witness. Acts 1:8; 1 Peter 3:15.
9. Preaching. Mark 16:15.
10. Teaching. Matt. 28:19, 20.
11. Service. Heb. 6:10; Matt. 25:37-40.
12. Fellowship. 1 John 1:3.
IV. The Church's Resources
13. Gifts of the Spirit. Eph. 4:11, 12.
14. The effect of the gifts. Eph. 4:15, 16.
THE LESSON
NoTE.-To the disciples, the represent-
atives of the church, Jesus said, "As My
Father hath sent Me, even so send I you."
John 20:21. Jesus had previously stated
His mission: "For the Son of man is come
to seek and to save that which was lost."
Luke 19:10. The purpose of the church,
therefore, is clear: She exists to help men
find their way back to God. "The church
is God's appointed agency for the salvation
of men. It was organized for service, and
its mission is to carry the gospel to the
world."-The
Acts of the Apostles,
page 9.
2. What ministry has God assigned
to the church? 2 Cor. 5:18, 19.
Introduction
"From the beginning it has been God's
plan that through His church shall be
reflected to the world His fullness and His
sufficiency. The members of the church,
those whom He has called out of darkness
into His marvelous light, are to show forth
His glory. The church is the repository of
the riches of the grace of Christ; and
through the church will eventually be made
manifest, even to 'the principalities and
powers in heavenly places,' the final and
full display of the love of God."-The
Acts
of the Apostles,
page 9.
An Agency for Calling Men
Back to God
1. What was God's objective in
sending certain apostles to the Gen-
tiles? Acts 15:12-17.
3. What simple witness must be
borne to the unconverted? 2 Cor.
5:20, 21. Compare Col. 1:19-22.
C7
]
4.
What marvelous transforma-
tions take place when the church
fulfills its ministry of reconciliation
for the lost? Titus 3:3-7. Compare
Eph. 2:1-6.
A Home in Which Believers
Are Strengthened
5.
What experience in the early
church indicates a ministry for the
members as well as for the lost? Acts
2:41-47.
NOTE.—A person who accepts Christ is
justified, or forgiven, by faith in Christ.
However, he still has weaknesses in his
character that need to be rectified. He
needs to gain a victory over certain bad
habits, to grow in spiritual knowledge and
perception, and to develop his talents for
Chriitian service. This work, which the
Bible calls sanctification, is a continuous
process that results in the believer's be-
coming more and more like Jesus as time
goes by. The church will not prosper unless
it provides help for its members in this
groving, maturing process.
6.
How will Christ prepare a
church that is acceptable to Him?
Eph. 5:25-27. Compare Eph. 3:16-19.
Nom—The church is a God-ordained
fellowship in which believers may find
warmth, love, encouragement, and spiritual
strengthening. The church militant is not
a showcase for perfected, sinless saints; it
is a household of brotherhood in which
sincere men and women may receive the
help they need to grow to full Christian
maturity. By informing the mind, strength-
ening the faith, and fanning the energies
to greater zeal, the church performs a
redemptive function for its own members
and helps to restore in them the image and
mind of Christ. The church, therefore, is
both a means through which God works
to extend the gospel invitation to all men
and a home into which they are brought
to be perfected.
A Means for Vindicating God's
Program and Accomplishing
His Work
7.
To whom is the church a dem-
onstration of the wisdom and the
righteousness of God? Eph. 3:10, 11.
Compare Eph. 1:6; 2:6, 7.
NOTE.—"But the plan of redemption had
a yet broader and deeper purpose than
the salvation of man. It was not for this
alone that Christ came to the earth; it was
not merely that the inhabitants of this
little world might regard the law of God
as it should be regarded; but it was to
vindicate the character of God before
the
universe."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 68.
8.
As witnesses for Christ, what
should church members be ready to
do at all times? Acts 1:8; 1 Peter 3:15.
9.
What is another mission of the
church? Mark 16:15.
NoTE.—This scripture contains two of
the most vital words having to do with the
work of the church. The first of these,
"preach," is from the Greek word meaning
to publish abroad, to proclaim, to an-
nounce openly and publicly. The apostle
Paul stated the central place of the preach-
ing of the gospel in these words, "It pleased
God by the foolishness of preaching to save
them that believe." 1 Cor. 1:21. Down
through the centuries multitudes have been
won to Christ through this medium, espe-
cially when the ministers follow the ex-
ample of Paul and preach the "unsearchable
riches of Christ." Eph. 3:8. The second
important word is "gospel," which means,
literally, "glad tidings" or "joyful news."
No better tidings could be brought to man
than that God loves him, that Christ died
in his place, and that eternal life in God's
kingdom is his for the asking.
Es]
10.
What other means has God
appointed the church for achieving
her objective? Matt. 28:19, 20.
NOTE.—The Christian faith speaks to
man's heart; it also speaks to his mind;
To groir in grace, to mature spiritually, a
follower of the Lord should have a correct
understanding of the Christian faith, and
this he acquires by study and by being
taught. Witnessing and preaching have
their rightful place; so does the instruction
of those who become followers of the
Master. The word "doctrine" that occurs
so often in the New Testament is but the
noun form of the verb "teach" (see Acts
2:42; 5:28; 13:12), which Jesus used when
He commanded the church to "Go,
. . .
teach all nations: . . .
teaching
them to
observe all things whatsoever I have com-
manded you." Every Adventist church,
no matter how small, must accept its
responsibility to help in this task of
teaching the Christian faith to all nations.
No person or congregation adequately
confesses Christ if content to confess Him
only in the church congregation, or in the
immediate neighborhood.
11.
What is a fourth channel of
activity the followers of the Lord
may use to help the church accom-
plish its purposes? Heb. 6:10; Matt.
25:37-40. Compare Rev. 2:19.
NoTE.—The Greek word
diakonia
is
sometimes translated in the English Bible
as ministry, minister, service, serving, et cet-
era. From the same root word we get "dea-
con." It may all be summed up in the term
"Christian service"; and this is one of
the means through which God works to
reach the hearts of people. True religion,
the Bible tells us, is expressed by visiting
the fatherless and the widows in their
affliction, feeding the hungry, healing the
sick, providing clothing for the destitute,
and helping those who cannot help them-
selves. Those who testify to their Lord by
such services are following in a Heaven-
appointed channel of church activity.
12.
In what other way may the
church fulfill her function of winning
men to the Lord and strengthening
them in the faith? 1 John 1:3.
NoTE.—Through the fellowship of Chris-
tian brethren, through the intercommuni-
cation of mind with mind, by means of
discourse on their mutual faith and hope,
by means of the effective influence of the
personality touching the life of another, by
joint participation in Christian service and
in proper recreation some men are drawn
to Christ for the first time, and others who
already acknowledge Him are strength-
ened. The power of Christian fellowship
as a means for accomplishing the church's
mission is not fully appreciated.
The Church's Resources
13.
In addition to the personal
witness that all genuine Christians
bear, what special provision did God
make to enable the church to fulfill
its purpose? Eph. 4:11, 12.
NoTE.—The diversity of gifts of the
Spirit to the church indicates that it is to
accomplish its task by a variety of means.
Evangelism consists of anything the church
may do that results in winning men and
women to Christ and establishing them in
the faith.
"Christ has given to His church ample
facilities, that He may receive a large
revenue of glory from His redeemed, pur-
chased possession. He has bestowed upon
His people capabilities and blessings that
they may represent His own sufficiency.
The church, endowed with the righteous-
ness of Christ, is His depositary, in which
the riches of His mercy, His grace, and His
love, are to appear in full and final dis-
play."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 680.
14.
When each member of the
body of Christ uses the graces and
gifts that the Spirit gives him, what
takes place in the church?
Eph.
4:
15, 16.
C9]
Thoughts for Personal Meditation
1.
Did I
witness to anyone this week
concerning my faith in Christ?
2.
Am I accepting my responsibility as
an ambassador for God? and do I represent
Him properly?
3.
Have I ever urged anyone to be
reconciled to God? How much longer am
I going to wait to do this?
Lesson 3, for October 16, 1965
The Divine Leader of the Church
MEMORY VERSE:
"And He is the head of the body, the church: who is the begin-
ning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things He might have the
preeminence." Col. 1:18.
'STUDY HELPS:
"The Acts of the Apostles," pages 152-154, 175, 176; "S.D.A.
Bible Commentary."
STUDY AIM:
To examine anew the evidences of the Lordship of Jesus Christ
over the church, and to consider the relationship that should exist between
Him and the members of His body.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey;
Tuesday: Questions 6-9.
0
begin learning memory verse.
Wednesday: Questions 10-12.
0
Sunday: Questions 1-3.
Thursday: Read study helps.
0
Monday: Questions 4, 5.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
0
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Christ, the Head of the Church
1.
The supreme Leader. Eph. 1:22;
Col. 1:18.
2.
Body subject to the head. Eph.
5:23 (last part), 24, first part.
3.
By right of purchase with His own
blood. Eph. 5:25 (last part) ;
Phil. 2:5-11.
4.
His exalted name. Phil. 2:9.
5.
His headquarters. Heb. 8:1, 2.
II. Christ's Intercessory Work as Head
of the Church
6. Leads men to repentance. Acts
5:30, 31.
7.
Offers forgiveness and reconcilia-
tion. Heb. 2:17; 7:25; 9:24, 28.
8.
Provides a means of access to God.
Heb. 10:19-22; Eph. 2:18; Rom.
5:2.
9.
Presents our prayers to the Father.
John 16:23, 24, 26.
III. Christ's Administrative Activities
10.
Commander-in-chief of the armies
of heaven. Joshua 5:13-15.
11.
Directs the work of the angels.
Ps. 91:11, 12.
12.
Guides the churches. Rev. 1:13,
16, 20.
[10
]
THE LESSON
2. What does the term "body"
signify in regard to the relationship
of the church to Christ? Eph. 5:23
(last part), 24, first part.
Introduction
"Christ did not tell His disciples that
their work would be easy. He showed them
the vast confederacy of evil arrayed against
them. . . . But they would not be left to
fight alone. He assured them that He would
be with them; and that if they would go
forth in faith, they should move under the
shield of Omnipotence. He bade them be
brave and strong; for One mightier than
angels would be in their ranks—the General
of the armies of heaven. He made full
provision for the prosecution of their work
and took upon Himseli the responsibility of
its success. So long as they obeyed His
word, and worked in connection with Him,
they could not fail. Go to all nations, He
bade them. . . .
I
will be with you always,
helping you to perform your duty, guiding,
comforting, sanctifying, sustaining you, giv-
ing you success .:n speaking words that shall
draw the attention of others to heaven."
—The Acts of the Apostles,
page 29.
The Head of the Church
1. Who is the head of the church,
and what does the term "head" sig,
nify? Eph. 1:22; Col. 1:18.
NoTE.—"God has never given a hint in
His Word that He has appointed any man
to be the head of the church."—The
Great
Controversy,
page
51.
"Since His ascension Christ has carried
forward His work on the earth by chosen
ambassadors, through whom He speaks to
the children of men and ministers to their
needs. The great Head of the church super-
intends His work through the instrumen-
tality of men ordained by God to act as
His representatives."—The
Acts of the
Apostles,
page 360.
"Consider, my brethren and sisters, that
the Lord has a people, a chosen people, His
church, to be His own, His own fortress,
which He holds in a sin-stricken, revolted
world; and He intended that no authority
should be known in it, no laws be ac-
knowledged by it, but His
own."—Testi-
monies to Ministers,
page 16.
NOTE.—"The church is built upon Christ
as its foundation; it is to obey Christ as its
head. It is not to depend upon man, or
be controlled by man."—The
Desire of
Ages,
page 414.
3.
Why was Jesus given the posi-
tion as head of the church? Eph.
5:25 (last part); Phil. 2:5-11. Compare
Acts 20:28.
4.
How does God exalt Christ's
name? Phil. 2:9.
5.
Where is the headquarters of
the church of Christ? Heb. 8:1, 2.
Christ's Intercessory Work as
Head of the Church
6.
How is Christ seeking to draw
men to Himself? Acts 5:30, 31. Com-
pare Rom. 2:4.
NoTE.—"God calls every man to repent-
ance, yet man cannot even repent unless
the Holy Spirit works upon his heart. But
the Lord wants no man to wait until he
thinks he has repented before he takes
steps toward Jesus. The Saviour is contin-
ually drawing men to repentance; they
need only to submit to be drawn, and their
hearts will be melted in penitence."—Coun-
sels
to Teachers,
pages 365, 366.
7.
As man's high priest, what is
Christ doing for the sins of the peo-
ple? Heb. 2:17; 7:25; 9:24, 28.
NoTE.—"The great Sacrifice had been
offered and had been accepted, and the
Holy Spirit which decended on the Day of
Pentecost carried the minds of the disciples
from the earthly sanctuary to the heavenly,
where Jesus had entered by His own blood,
to shed upon His disciples the benefits of
His atonement."—Early
Writings,
page 260.
8.
What assurances do we have
that Christ's ministry for His believers
is effective? Heb. 10:19-22; Eph. 2:18;
Rom. 5:2.
NOTE.—"Jehovah did not deem the plan
of salvation complete while invested only
with His love. He has placed at His altar
an Advocate clothed in our nature. As our
Intercessor, Christ's office work is to in-
troduce us to God as His sons and daugh-
ters. He intercedes in behalf of those who
receive Him. With His own blood He has
paid their ransom. By virtue of His merits
He gives them power to become members
of the royal family, children of the heavenly
King. And the Father demonstrates His
infinite love for Christ by receiving and
welcoming Christ's friends as His friends."
—Testimonies,
Vol. 8, p. 177.
9.
To whom• should Christians
pray, and in whose name? What part
does Christ have in the prayers of His
followers? John 16:23, 24, 26.
NOTE.—"In Christ's name our petitions
ascend to the Father. He intercedes in our
behalf, and the Father lays open all the
treasures of His grace for our appropria-
tion, for us to enjoy and impart to
others. . . .
"Yes, Christ has become the medium of
prayer between man and God. He has also
become the medium of blessing between
God and
man."—Testimonies,
Vol. 8, p. 178.
Christ's Administrative Activities
.
10. What title anciently applied
to Christ helps to explain the work
He is doing as head of the church?
Joshua 5:13-15. Compare Matt.
26:53.
NOTE.—"Oh, that all could behold our
precious Saviour as He is,
a Saviour.
Let
His hand draw aside the veil which con-
ceals His glory from our eyes. It shows
Him in His high and holy place. What do
we see? Our Saviour, not in a position of
silence and inactivity. He is surrounded
with heavenly intelligences, cherubim, and
seraphim, ten thousand times ten thousand
of angels.
"All these heavenly beings have one
object above all others, in which they are
intensely interested—His church in a world
of corruption. All these armies are in the
service of the Prince of heaven, exalting the
Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of
the world. They are working for Christ
under His commission, to save to the utter-
most all who look to Him and believe in
Him. These heavenly intelligences are
speeding on their mission, doing for Christ
that which Herod. and Pilate did against
Him. They confederate together to uphold
the honor and glorr of God. They are
united in a holy alliance, in a grand and
sublime unity of purpose, to show forth the
power and compassion and love and glory
of the crucified and risen Saviour.
"In their service, these armies of heaven
illustrate what the church of God should
be. Christ is working in their behalf in the
heavenly courts, sending out His mes-
sengers to all parts of the globe, to the
assistance of every suffering one who looks
to Him for relief, for spiritual life and
knowledge."—Ellen G. White Comments,
S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
Vol.
7,
pp. 967,
968.
11. Whom does Christ, as head of
the church, send on special missions
in behalf of His church? Ps. 91:11, 12.
Compare Acts 12:6-11; Rev. 7:1-3.
NOTE.—"Angels are belting the world,
ref using Satan his claims to supremacy,
made because of the vast multitude of his
adherents. We hear not the voices, we see
not with the natural sight the work of these
angels, but their hands are linked about the
world, and with sleepless vigilance they are
keeping the armies of Satan at bay till
the sealing of God's people shall be ac-
complished."—Ellen G. White Comments,
S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
Vol. 7, p. 967.
[12
]
12. How does John the revelator
picture Christ's relationship with His
church? Rev. 1:13, 16, 20.
NoTE.—"He [Jesus] is in constant com-
munication with His people. He knows
their true state. He observes their order,
their piety, their devotion. Although He
is high priest and mediator in the sanctuary
abo e, yet He is represented as walking up
and down in the midst of His churches-on
the earth. With untiring wakefulness and
unremitting vigilance, He watches to see
whether the light of any of His sentinels
is burning dim or going out. If the candle-
sticks were left to mere human care, the
flickering flame would languish and die;
but He is the true watchman in the Lord's
house, the true warden of the temple
courts. His continued care and sustaining
grace are the source of life and light."
—The Acts of the Apostles,
page 586.
Thoughts for Personal Meditation
1.
Do I carefully listen to and obey the
instructions of the Lord of the church?
2.
Am I thankful not only for the sacri-
fice of Christ in my behalf but also for His
constant ministry, which results in the
development of the church and in rich
spiritual blessings for me?
Lesson 4, for October 23, 1965
Christ's Representative on Earth
MEMORY VERSE:
"But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you
from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father,
He shall testify of Me." John 15:26.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Acts of The Apostles," pages 47-56; "The Desire of Ages,"
pages 669-672; "Testimonies to Ministers," pages 506-512; "S.D.A. Bible
Commentary."
STUDY AIM:
To understand better the Holy Spirit's function in the spiritual
growth and work of the church.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey;
Wednesday: Questions 12-14; read
begin learning memory verse.
from study helps.
Sunday: Questions 1-4.
Thursday: Finish reading study
Monday: Questions 5-8.
helps.
Tuesday: Questions 9-11; read from
Friday: Review entire lesson.
study helps.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. The Coming of the Holy Spirit
1. Jesus' promise. John 14:16-18.
16:7; Luke 24:49.
2.
Pentecost—the promise fulfilled.
Acts 2:1-4, 32, 33.
II. The Holy Spirit's Function in
Spiritual Growth
3.
Testifies of Christ. John 15:26;
16:14.
[ 13 ]
4.
Brings conviction and repentance.
John 16:8.
5.
Effects transformation of life.
John 3:5-8; Titus 3:5.
6.
Strengthens spiritually, and pro-
duces fruit. Eph. 3:16; Gal.
5:22, 23.
7.
Teacher of truth. John 14:26;
16:13.
8.
Unseen, but actually present.
John 14:17.
Ill. The Holy Spirit as Director of
Redemptive Activities
9.
Satan's opposition to spiritual
regeneration. Eph. 6:11, 12. •
10.
Sources of help in this battle.
2 Cor. 10:3-5; Eph. 6:17.
11.
Guide in the affairs of men that
affect the church. Ezek. 1:12, 16,
19, 21.
12.
Directs the church in soul win-
ning. Acts 10:19, 20; 16:6, 7;
8:26-29.
13.
Endows the church with spiri-
tual gifts. 1 Cor. 12:8-11; Eph.
4:8-12.
14.
A plea to the church: Heed
the voice of the Spirit. Rev. 2:7,
11, 17.
THE LESSON
Introduction
"In describing to His disciples the office
work of the Holy Spirit, Jesus sought to
inspire them with the joy and hope that
inspired His own heart. He rejoiced be-
cause of the abundant help He had pro-
vided for His church. The Holy Spirit was
the highest of al gifts that He could solicit
from His Father for the exaltation of His
people. The Spirit was to be given as a
regenerating
,
agent, and without this the
sacrifice of Christ would have been of no
avail. . . . It is the Spirit that makes
effectual what has been wrought out by
the world's Redeemer. It is by the Spirit
that the heart is made pure. Through the
Spirit the believer becomes a partaker of
the divine nature. Christ has given His
Spirit as a divine power to overcome all
hereditary and cultivated tendencies to evil,
and to impress His own character upon
His church."—The
Desire of Ages,
page
671.
The Coming of the Holy Spirit
1. Whom did Jesus promise to
send to the church as His represent-
ative? John 14:16-18; 16:7; Luke
24:49.
NOTE.—"The Holy Spirit is Christ's rep-
resentative, but divested of the personality
of humanity, and independent thereof.
Cumbered with humanity, Christ could
not be in every place personally. Therefore
it was for their interest that He should go
to the Father, and send the Spirit to be
His successor on earth. No one could then
have any advantage because of his location
or his personal contact with Christ. By
the Spirit the Saviour would be accessible
to all. In this sense He would be nearer to
them than if He had not ascended on high."
—The Desire of Ages,
page 669.
2. What signalized the enthrone.
ment of Christ as head of the church,
and the commissioning of the Holy
Spirit as His representative on earth?
Acts 2:1-4, 32, 33.
NoTE.—"Christ's ascension to heaven was
the signal that His followers were to re-
ceive the promised blessing. For this they
were to wait before they entered upon their
work. When Christ passed within the
heavenly gates, He was enthroned amidst.
the adoration of the angels. As soon as this
ceremony was completed, the Holy Spirit
decended upon the disciples in rich cur-
rents, and Christ was indeed glorified, even
with the glory which He had with the
Father from all eternity. The Pentecostal
outpouring was Heaven's communication
that the Redeemer's inauguration was ac-
complished. According to His promise He
had sent the Holy Spirit from heaven to
1
141
His followers as a token that He had, as
priest and king, received all authority in
heaven and on earth, and was the Anointed
One over His people."—The
Acts of the
Apostles,
pages 38, 39.
The Holy Spirit's Function
in Spiritual Growth
3.
How did Jesus summarize the
work of the Holy Spirit? John 15:26;
16:14.
NOTE.—"The Spirit is given as a re-
generating agency, to make effectual the
salvation wrought by the death of our
Redeemer. The Spirit is constantly seeking
to draw the attention of men to the great
offering that was made on the cross of
Calvary, to unfold to the world the love
of God, and to open to the convicted soul
the precious things of the Scriptures."
—The Acts of the Apostles,
page 52.
4.
How does the Holy Spirit pro-
ceed in His efforts to persuade men
to accept Christ as their Saviour?
John 16:8.
5.
What does the Holy Spirit do
for the person who surrenders him-
self to God? John 3:5-8; Titus 3:5.
6.
What will the Holy Spirit do
for the born-again Christian? Eph.
3:16; Gal. 5:22, 23.
7.
What special commission was
given to the Holy Spirit in teaching?
John 14:26; 16:13.
NoTE.—Three times Jesus referred to the
Holy Spirit as "the Spirit of truth." John
14:17; 15:26; 16:13. All truth is a unit.
Scientific truth will not conflict with spiri-
tual truth, and vice versa. If anything is
absolutely true, it will never contradict
anything else that is true. While the Holy
Spirit is primarily a teacher of spiritual
truth, He will guide the inquiring mind
that is searching for any kind of truth.
Those who are followers of Christ should
be in the vanguard of the search for truth.
8.
Why do many men of the world
not receive the Holy Spirit? John
14:17.
NoTE.—Because men cannot measure the
Holy Spirit by their scientific instrumen-
tation, many deny His existence. The Holy
Spirit seeks to make His presence felt upon
all men; but He is not subject to man's
control, to experiment with, contain, or
measure His power. God is too great to be
put on trial by man, on man's terms.
The Holy Spirit as Director
of Redemptive Activity
9.
What powers attempt to inter-
fere with and to nullify the redemp-
tive activity of God? Eph. 6:11, 12.
10.
Where may the Christian find
help in his battle against evil? 2 Cor.
10:3-5; Eph. 6:17.
NoTE.—"He [Jesus] shows His followers
the conflicts they must meet; He reveals
the character and plan of the battle. . . .
They are to contend with supernatural
forces, but they are assured of super-
natural help. All the intelligences of heaven
are in this army. And more than angels are
in the ranks. The Holy Spirit, the repre-
sentative of the Captain of the Lord's host,
comes down to direct the battle."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 352.
11.
What part does the Holy Spirit
have in world affairs that affect God's
people? Ezek. 1:12, 16, 19, 21.
[ 15 ]
NoTE.—"The wheellike complications that
appeared to the prophet to be involved in
such confusion were under the guidance of
an infinite hand. The Spirit of God, re-
vealed to him as moving and directing these
wheels, brought harmony out of confusion;
so the whole world was under His control.
Myriads of glorified beings were ready at
His word to overrule the power and policy
of evil men, and bring good to His faithful
ones."—Testimonies,
Vol. 5, p. 752.
12. What indicates that the Holy
Spirit directs and guides the church
and its workers in seeking the lost?
Acts 10:19, 20; 16:6, 7; 8:26-29.
NOTE.—"No truth is more Clearly taught
in the Bible than that God by His Holy
Spirit especially directs His servants on
earth in the great movements for the
carrying forward of the work of salvation.
Men are instruments in the hand of God,
employed by Him to accomplish His pur-
poses of grace and mercy."—The
Great
Controversy,
page 343.
13.
To qualify the church to do its
work, with what gifts does the Spirit
endue the believers? 1 Cor. 12:8-11;
Eph. 4:8-12.
14.
What oft-repeated plea does
God urgently address to His churches?
Rev. 2:7, 11, 17.
Thoughts for Personal Meditation
1.
Do I grieve the Holy Spirit by refusing
to allow Him to exercise His regenerating
power in certain areas of my life?
2.
Do I sometimes try to direct the Holy
Spirit, instead of allowing Him to direct
me?
3.
Am I at times so spiritually blind that
I fail to recognize the Holy Spirit at work
in my own heart or in the hearts of those
among whom I live and work?
Lesson 5, for October 30, 1965
The Human Leaders of the Church
MEMORY VERSE:
"He gave some, apostles; and
some, prophets; and some,
evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints,
for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ." Eph.
4:11, 12.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Acts of
the Apostles," pages 87-96, 159-165, 594; "S.D.A.
Bible Dictionary," articles "Bishop," "Deacon," and "Elder."
STUDY AIM:
To
learn more about God's plan for the human leadership of His
church on earth.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey;
begin learning memory verse.
Sunday; Questions 1-4.
Monday: Questions 5-9.
Tuesday: Questions 10-12.
Check
Here
Wednesday: Questions
13, 14:read
from study helps.
Thursday: Finish reading study
helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
[16]
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. God's Spiritual Gifts to the Church
1.
The gifts named. 1 Cor. 12:28,
8-10.
2.
The purpose of the gifts. 1 Cor.
12:11, 12, 25; Eph. 4:12, 13.
11. Spiritual Gifts That Qualify for
Leadership
3.
General leadership positions. Eph.
4:11.
4.
Administrators. 1 Cor. 12:28.
5.
Administrative leaders are called
elders. 1 Tim. 5:17.
6.
Elders are also called bishops.
Titus 1:5-7.
7.
Deacons. 1 Tim. 3:8, 13.
111. Requisite Qualifications for Officers
8. For elders. 1 Tim. 3:2-7; Titus
1:5-9.
9. For deacons. 1 Tim. 3:8-13.
IV. Choosing and Accrediting Leaders
10. Methods of choosing. Acts 6:1-7;
14:23.
11. Ordination and its significance.
Acts 13:3; 1 Tim. 4:14.
12. Leaders to discharge their obliga-
tion diligently. James 5:10 ;
Titus 2:7.
13. The church to esteem its leaders.
1 Tim. 1:12 ; 1 Peter 5:1-4.
14. Leaders to serve thankfully, will-
ingly, humbly. 1 Thess. 5:12, 13 ;
2 Tim. 4:1, 2.
THE LESSON
Introduction
The vital importance of good leadership
for the church is evident from the fact that
Jesus began His church by selecting and
training leaders. "With the calling of John
and Andrew and Simon, of Philip and
Nathanael, began the foundation of the
Christian church."-The
Desire of Ages,
page 141.
Moreover, "It was at the ordination of
the Twelve that the first step was taken in
the organization of the church that after
Christ's departure was to carry on His
work on the earth."-The
Acts of the
Apostles,
page 18.
In order to equip men for spiritual work,
the Holy Spirit gives them spiritual gifts,
"dividing to every man severally as He
will." 1 Cor. 12:11. All Christians receive
some gift of the Spirit to enable them to
have a part in extending the kingdom of
God; but certain believers are endued with
Spirit-given special qualities, which, though
they seem to be natural to the individual,
are appropriated by the Spirit, increased in
quantity, and sanctified for God's use.
"As His representatives among men,
Christ does not choose angels who have
never fallen, but human beings, men of like
passions with those they seek to save.
Christ took upon Himself humanity, that
He might reach humanity."-The
Desire of
Ages,
page 296.
"We have this treasure in earthen vessels,
to show that the transcendent power be-
longs to God and not to us." 2 Cor. 4:7,
R.S.V.
God's Spiritual Gifts to the Church
1.
What spiritual gifts does the
Holy Spirit place in the church? 1 Cor.
12:28, 8-10.
2.
For what purpose are these gifts
bestowed? How long are they to
remain in the church? 1 Cor. 12:11,
12, 25; Eph. 4:12, 13.
Spiritual Gifts That Qualify
for Leadership
3.
For what positions of leader-
ship in the church do the gifts of the
Spirit qualify men? Eph. 4:11.
[17
1
NoTE.—"Apostle" is a word of Greek
derivation and means "one sent forth"; as
the name indicates, apostles were men sent
forth by the church on great preaching
missions.
There is no greater position in life than
that of spiritual leadership, by means of
which the gospel is preached and taught,
sinners are confronted with the claims of
God, souls are saved from sin, and the
weak are made strong. Persons possessing
and excercising these gifts—apostles, evan-
gelists, prophets, pastors, teachers—may or
may not hold elective administrative offices
in the church. They are the consecrated
Christians who magnify the gift God has
given them by bearing a witness that leads
men to accept Christ and to become strong
in the faith.
4.
Which spiritual gift qualifies a
person for administrative responsi-
bilities in the church? 1 Cor.
12:28.
NOTE.—Instead of "governments," the
Revised Standard Version reads "adminis-
trators." The word Paul used here means
to steer, to act as helmsman, to guide. In
any fellowship or organization there is
a
great need for persons having administrative
abilities to help the group organize for its
work, to counsel, to lay plans, to direct, to
maintain order, to prevent confusion, and
to serve as chairmen and as public func-
tionaries representing the group.
5.
In New Testament times, what
were men called who were chosen to
be administrative as well as spiritual
leaders in the churches? 1 Tim. 5:17.
NoTE.—The term "elder" arose from the
fact that in the ancient East only men who
had attained a long maturity could com-
mand the respect necessary to be chosen by
the people to represent them. In the Old Tes-
tament, elders made up the ruling tribunal
in Israel. See Ex. 4:29; Judges 8:14. They
were generally the elected representatives of
the people. In the time of Jesus, the rulers
of the synagogues were called elders, as
were also certain members of the Sanhe-
drin. It was only natural, therefore, that
the early Christians used this title for the
18
men whom they chose as chairmen of their
meetings, as the principal administrating
officers and representatives of the church.
See 1 Peter 5:1; 2 John 1; 3 John 1.
6.
By what other name were the
elders called? Titus 1:5-7.
NOTE.—It is evident from Titus 1:5-7 that
elders were also called bishops. "Bishop"
comes from a Greek word meaning "over-
seer," "superintendent," or, in an extended
sense, "president." This is shown in Acts
20:17, 28, where the elders of Ephesus are
admonished to take heed to the flock "over
the which the Holy Spirit bath made you
overseers,"
which is the identical Greek
word elsewhere translated as "bishop."
From the qualifications required of bishops,
it is evident that they were the adminis-
trative as well as the spiritual leaders of
the churches. 1 Tim. 3:2-5. The term "el-
der" evidently was the title of the office,
while the name "bishop" (overseer) in-
dicated the function of the office.
7.
What other officers are men-
tioned as functioning in the early
church? 1 Tim. 3:8, 13.
NOTE.—"Deacon" is a transliteration of
the Greek word
diakonos,
which means
a waiter, servant, minister, helper. Both
Jesus and Paul used this word of them-
selves. See Matt. 20:28; Col. 1:25; 1 Cor.
3:5; Eph. 3:7. Paul used the term somewhat
as an equivalent of our word "minister"
today, although the office early came to
include supervision of church property,
finances, caring for the poor, visiting the
sick, as well as preaching the Word. The
seven men elected by the church at Jeru-
salem to fulfill these functions were un-
doubtedly deacons, although the Bible does
not explicitly call them such. See Acts
6:1-6, and
The Acts of the Apostles,
pages
89, 90.
Requisite Qualifications for
Church Officers
8.
What are the Bible requisites
for elders (or bishops)? 1 Tim. 3:2-7;
Titus 1:5-9.
9.
What are the requisites for a
deacon? 1 Tim. 3:8-13.
Choosing and Accrediting Leaders
10.
How were the elders and
deacons chosen in the early church?
Acts 6:1-7; 14:23.
NOTE.—"The church accordingly selected
seven men full of faith and the wisdom of
the Spirit of God, to attend to the business
pertaining to the cause."—The
Story of
Redemption,
page 260.
11.
How does the church accredit
or ordain the ones chosen to be lead-
ers in the preaching of the Word?
Acts 13:3; 1 Tim. 4:14.
NOTE.—"Paul and Barnabas had already
received their commission from God Him-
self, and the ceremony of the laying on of
hands added no new grace or virtual qual-
ification. It was an acknowledged form of
designation to an appointed office and a
recognition of one's authority in that office.
By it the seal of the church was set upon
the work of God."—The
Acts of the Apos-
tles,
pages 161, 162.
12.
When the church calls a person
to devote his life to its service, how
should he respond? James 5:10; Titus
2:7.
13.
How is the church to regard its
leaders and all who are utilizing the
spiritual gifts granted them? 1 Tim.
1:12; 1 Peter 5:1-4.
14.
What should the church ex-
pect from the leaders? 1 Thess. 5:12,
13;
2‘ Tim. 4:1, 2.
Thoughts for Personal Meditation
1.
Do I regard the officers in my church
as God-appointed?
2.
Recognizing that God has to use
"earthen vessels," will I criticize the leaders
He has chosen to have the oversight of the
church?
3.
Be sure to read page 594 in
The Acts
of the Apostles.
Lesson 6, for November 6, 1965
Objectives and Methods of Church Organization
MEMORY VERSE:
"In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto
an holy temple in the Lord." Eph. 2:21.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Acts of the Apostles," pages 188-200; "Testimonies to
Ministers," pages 24-32; "Gospel Workers," pages 481-490; "S.D.A. Bible
Commentary."
STUDY AIM:
To study the Biblical principles of church organization, and to see
how those principles are applied in the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
[ 19 ]
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey;
Check Here
Tuesday: Questions 9, 10; read
begin learning memory verse.
further from study helps.
Sunday: Questions 1-5.
Wednesday: Questions 11-13.
Monday: Questions 6-8; begin
Thursday: Finish
reading
study
reading study helps.
helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Organization in the New Testament
Church
1.
A general church council was called.
Acts 15:1, 2,
6.
2.
The council adopted general
policies. Acts 15:22-29.
3.
The churches abode by the council's
decision. Acts 15:30, 31; 16:4, 5.
4.
Members were added and dropped.
Acts 2:47; 1 Cor. 5:4, 5; Matt.
18:17.
5.
Other indications of organization.
(See answer to question.)
II. Organization Exists to Expedite the
Church's Work
6. God desires order in His work.
1 Cor. 14:33, 40.
7.
Organization makes use of
specialized abilities. 1 Cor.
12:14-17.
8.
The folly of noncooperation. 1 Cor.
12:18-21.
9.
A fundamental principle of
cooperation. 1 Peter 5:5.
10.
United effort accomplishes more.
Eph. 4:16.
III. Kind of Organization
11.
The organization, an orderly
growth. Eph. 2:21, first part.
12.
The organization must be demo-
cratic. Acts 1:21-23; 6:3-5.
13.
Our denominational organization,
based on the local church.
THE LESSON
Introduction
"Christ would have His followers brought
together in church capacity, observing order,
having rules and discipline, and all subject
one to another, esteeming others better than
themselves. Union and confidence are es-
sential to the prosperity of the church. If
each member of the church feels at liberty
to move independently of the others, taking
his own peculiar course, how can the
church be in any safety
in
the hour of
danger and peril? Th prosperity and very
existence of a church depend upon the
prompt, united action and mutual con-
fidence of its members."—T
estimonies,
Vol.
3, p. 445.
Organization in the New
Testament Church
1.
When the unity of the local
church was threatened by serious
division of opinion over a certain
doctrine, what steps did the leaders of
the local church take to solve the
problem? Acts 15:1, 2, 6.
2.
What steps did the apostles and
elders take to meet the problem and
[ 20 ]
convey the decision to the church?
Acts 15:22-29.
3.
In what spirit did the churches
receive the decision, and with what
result? Acts 15:30, 31; 16:4, 5.
4.
What indications are there that
local churches in New Testament
times had definite memberships? Acts
2:47; 1 Cor. 5:4, 5; Matt. 18:17.
NoTE.—The fact that churches added
members and dropped members indicates
that there must have been organized
churches with definite memberships.
5.
What intimations are there that
local churches developed ties with
one another?
ANSWER.—
(a)
Churches in widely scat-
tered countries had officers bearing the
same names, and apparently with com-
monly accepted qualifications. Acts 14:23;
Phil. 1:1; 1 Tim. 5:17; James 5:14.
(b)
There were geographical groups of
churches. Gal. 1:1, 2 ; 2 Cor. 8:1; 9:2.
(c)
On occasion these groups of churches
joined in electing special delegates to ac-
company Paul (2 Cor. 8:19; Acts 20:4)
and interchanged letters they received from
the apostle. Col. 4:16.
(d)
Members were given letters of com-
mendation. Rom. 16:1, 2; 1 Cor. 16:3;
2 Cor. 8:19.
(e)
Pastors were transferred from one
church to another. 1 Tim. 1:3. Compare
2 Tim. 4:9, 10, 12; Titus 1:5.
(f)
Local churches had organized wel-
fare plans with rules concerning who was
eligible for relief. 1 Tim. 5:9, 16; 1 Cor.
16:1-5; Rom. 15:25, 26.
NOTE.—AS in the formative stage of any
group, there was doubtless some variety of
organization among the early Christian
churches, with uniformity developing as
the years passed. "Later in the history of
the early church, when in various parts of
the world many groups of believers had
been formed into churches, the organization
of the church was further perfected, so
that order and harmonious action might
be maintained."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
pages 91, 92.
Organization Exists to Expedite
the Church's Work
6.
What instruction does God give
us concerning order and wise plan-
ning in His church? 1 Cor. 14:33, 40.
NOTE.—"Christ designs that heaven's or-
der, heaven's plan of government, heaven's
divine harmony, shall be represented in
His church on earth."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 680.
"While it is true that the Lord guides
individuals, it is also true that He is
leading out a people, not a few separate in-
dividuals here and there, one believing this
thing, another that. Angels of God are
doing the work committed to their trust.
The third angel is leading out and pu-
rifying a people, and they should move
with him unitedly. . . .
"The world is filled with strife for the
supremacy. The spirit of pulling away
from our fellow laborers, the spirit of dis-
organization, is in the very air we breathe.
By some, all efforts to establish order are
regarded as dangerous—as a restriction of
personal liberty, and hence to be feared
as popery. They declare that they will not
take any man's say-so; that they are
amenable to no man.
I
have been in-
structed that it is Satan's special effort to
lead men to feel that God is pleased to
have them choose their own course, in-
dependent of the counsel of their brethren."
—Testimonies to Ministers,
pages 488, 489.
7.
Why do the members of the
church need to be united together in
fellowship and service? 1 Cor. 12:
14-17.
NoTE.—Organization makes it possible
for persons with specialized abilities to
concentrate on tasks they are well qualified
[ 21 ]
to do. Inasmuch as God's work, like the
body, requires specialized functions, when
believers unite their efforts they accomplish
more than they could working alone.
8.
How does the Bible portray the
folly of lack of cooperation and
united effort as members seek to
fulfill the gigantic task of the church?
1 Cor. 12:18-21.
.
9.
What basic attitude is necessary
in
order to have unity in the church?
1 Peter 5:5.
10.
What happens in the church
when each member rightly uses his
gifts in cooperation with others? Eph.
4:16.
Kind of Organization
11.
What words of Scripture show
that the organization of the church
must be carefully and wisely worked
out? Eph. 2:21, first part.
NOTE.—The words "fitly framed" and
"fitly joined" (Eph. 4:16) indicate that
the members of God's church must plan
and organize the work in the most effi-
cient manner of which they are capable.
"There should be more wise generalship
manifested in doing the Lord's work."
—Counsels to Writers and Editors,
page
126.
Good organization is determined by func-
tion. Organization is good to the extent
that it enables the objective to be fully
attained or the task properly performed
in the easiest, quickest, and least expen-
sive way, consonant, of course, with respect
for the rights and welfare of individuals.
12.
What examples in the Bible
have led the church to establish a
representative type of church orga-
nization and administration? Acts 1:
21-23; 6:3-5.
NoTE.—God desires a form of church
organization that respects the dignity
and judgment of the individual members.
God speaks through the minds of many
of His followers, and our organization was
formed in such a way that the individual
may be heard, but the majority rules. As
in all large groups, delegates or represent-
atives are chosen by the members to speak
for them; but God desires that all members
think about His work and plan together
for its advancement.
"He [God] does not give to one of His
servants an experience independent of and
contrary to the experience of the church
itself. Neither does He give one man a
knowledge of His will for the entire church
while the church—Christ's body—is left in
darkness. In His providence He places His
servants in close connection with His
church in order that they may have less
confidence in themselves and greater con-
fidence in others whom He is leading out
to advance His work."—The
Acts of the
Apostles,
page 163.
13.
What is the basic unit upon
which the Seventh-day Adventist
Church organization is founded?
ANSWER.—The local church, the members
of which choose one of their own members
to serve as the local elder, or presiding
officer. Inasmuch as he is not able—nor
would it be desirable—to perform or direct
all the various projects of the church, other
officers are elected to help him; namely,
deacons to help with the temporal affairs
of the church, Sabbath school superin-
tendent, home missionary leader, young
people's leader, et cetera. These officers serve
as a committee or church board, acting in
behalf of the people, but the elder bears
the responsibility of all phases of the
church work and heads all the departments.
NOTE.—"Every member of the church
has a voice in choosing officers of the
church. The church chooses the officers of
the state conferences. Delegates chosen by
the state conferences choose the officers of
[ 22 ]
the union conferences, and delegates chosen
by the union conferences choose the.officers
of the General Conference. By this arrange-
ment every conference, every institution,
every church, and every individual, either
directly or through representatives, has a
voice in the election of the men who bear
the chief responsibilities in the General
Conference."—Testimonies, Vol. 8, pp. 236,
237.
Lesson 7, for November 13, 1965
Authority and Discipline in the Church
MEMORY VERSE:
"Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are
spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself,
lest thou also be tempted." Gal. 6:1.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Desire of Ages," pages 410-416, 805, 806; "Gospel Workers,"
pages 498-503; "Testimonies," Vol. 3, pp. 428-433, 450, 451; Vol. 7, pp.
260-264; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary."
STUDY AIM:
To examine the safeguards God has placed in the church to keep
it from dangers within and without, and to discover the responsibility of each
member for the spiritual state of the church.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check
Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey;
begin learning memory verse.
Sunday: Questions 1-4.
Monday: Questions 5, 6; read from
study helps.
Check Here
Tuesday: Questions 7-10.
Wednesday: Questions 11, 12; read
from study helps.
Thursday: Finish reading study
helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. The Authority of the Church
1.
Entrusted with the keys of the
kingdom. Matt. 16:18, 19.
2.
Witnesses of sins forgiven or
retained. John 20:22, 23.
3.
Discipline for unrepentant sinners.
Matt. 18:15, 16; Titus 3:10, 11.
4.
Disfellowshiping, a function for the
entire congregation. Matt. 18:17.
II. The Purpose of Church Discipline
5.
Reclaiming the erring. 1 Cor. 5:4,
5; 1 Tim. 1:20.
6.
Preventing pollution of others.
1 Cor. 5:6, 7.
III. The Responsibility of the Church
7.
The church must accept responsi-
bility. 1 Cor 5:9-13.
8.
Treatment of disfellowshiped
members. 2 Cor. 2:6-8.
9.
Church members must seek to
restore the erring. Gal. 6:1, 2;
James 5:20.
10.
Responsibility of ministers. 2 Tim.
2:24-26; Ezek. 3:17-19.
IV. The Procedure for Church Discipline
11.
Reasons for discipline. 2 Tim. 3:5 ;
Rom. 16:17 ; Heb. 13:17.
12.
Biblical examples. 2 Tim. 2:16-18;
Titus 3:9-11; 2 Thess. 3:6; 1 Cor.
5:11, 13.
123
1
THE LESSON
Introduction
"Many have an idea that they are re-
sponsibile to Christ alone for their light and
experience, independent of His recognized
followers on earth. Jesus is the friend of
sinners, and His heart is touched with
their woe. He has all power, both in heaven
and on earth; but He respects the means
that He has ordained for the enlightenment
and salvation of men; He directs sinners
to the church, which He has made a chan-
nel of light to the world."—The
Acts of
the Apostles,
page 122.
The Authority of the Church
1.
With what words did Jesus dele-
gate to the church the authority to
act upon the acceptance of members
into the church or their rejection?
Matt. 16:18, 19.
NOTE.—"In the presence of God, and all
the heavenly intelligences, in the presence
of the unseen army of hell, Christ founded
His church upon the living Rock. That
Rock is Himself,—His own body, for us
broken and bruised. Against the church
built upon this foundation, the gates of
hell shall not prevail. . . .
"The keys of the kingdom of heaven'
are the words of Christ. All the words of
Holy Scripture are His, and are here in-
cluded. These words have power to open
and to shut heaven. They declare the
conditions upon which men are received or
rejected."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 413,
414.
2.
What is the basis for church
authority to pass upon the fitness of
men to be members of the body of
Christ? John 20:22, 23.
NOTE.—"On the church has been con-
ferred the power to act in Christ's stead. It
is God's instrumentality for the preserva-
tion of order and discipline among His
people. To it the Lord has delegated the
power to settle all questions respecting its
prosperity, purity, and order. Upon it
rests the responsibility of excluding from
its fellowship those who are unworthy,
who by their un-Christlike conduct would
bring dishonor on the truth. Whatever
the church does that is in accordance with
the directions given in God's Word, will be
ratified in
heaven."—Gospel Workers,
pages
501, 502.
3.
What are the first steps to be
taken in dealing with a member who
has fallen into sin? Matt. 18:15, 16;
Titus 3:10, 11.
NOTE.—"Whatever the character of the
offense, this does not change the plan
that God has made for the settlement of
misunderstandings and personal injuries.
Speaking alone and in the Spirit of Christ
to the one who is in fault will often remove
the difficulty. Go to the erring one, with
a heart filled with Christ's love and sym-
pathy, and seek to adjust the matter.
Reason with him calmly and quietly. Let
no angry words escape your lips. Speak in
a way that will appeal to his better judg-
ment. . . .
"For the sake of the peace and unity of
the church, feel it a privilege 'as well as a
duty to do this. . . .
"No church officer should advise, no
committee should recommend, nor should
any church vote, that the name of a
wrongdoer shall be removed from the
church books, until the instruction given
by Christ has been faithfully followed."
—Testimonies,
Vol. 7, pp. 261, 262.
4.
In what group only is authority
vested for disfellowshiping church
members? Matt. 18:17.
NOTE.—" 'And if he shall neglect to hear
them,' what then shall be done? Shall a
few persons in a board meeting take upon
themselves the responsibility of disfellow-
shiping the erring one? 'If he shall neglect
to hear them, tell it unto
the church.' . .
[ 24 ]
[Matt. 18:17.] Let the church take action
in regard to its
members."—Testimonies,
Vol. 7, p. 262.
"Matters of grave import come up for
settlement by the church. God's ministers,
ordained by Him as guides of His people,
after doing their part are to submit the
whole matter to the church, that there may
be unity in the decision made."—Ibid.,
pp. 263, 264.
Purpose of Church Discipline
5.
What is the primary purpose of
church discipline? 1 Cor. 5:4, 5;
1 Tim. 1:20.
NOTE.—"When this instruction [given by
Christ in Matthew 18:1-18] has been fol-
lowed, the church has cleared herself before
God. The evil must then be made to ap-
pear as it is, and must be removed, that it
may not become more and more wide-
spread. The health and purity of the church
must be preserved, that she may stand
before God unsullied, clad in the robes of
Christ's righteousness."—Testimonies,
Vot.
7, pp. 262, 263.
6.
What other function does church
discipline achieve? 1 Cor. 5:6, 7.
NOTE.—"Sin and sinners in the church
must be promptly dealt with, that others
may not be contaminated. Truth and
purity require that we make more thor-
ough work to cleanse the camp from
Achans. Let those in responsible positions
not suffer sin in a brother. Show him that
he must either put away his sins or be
separated from the
church."—Testimonies,
Vol. 5, p. 147.
The Responsibility of the Church
7.
How did the apostle Paul ad-
monish the Corinthian church to
arouse and deal with an erring mem-
ber? 1 Cor. 5:9-13.
NOTE.—"But on the church in its or-
ganized capacity He places a responsibility
for the individual members. Toward those
who fall into sin, the church has a duty,
to warn, to instruct, and if possible to
restore. . . . Deal faithfully with wrong-
doing. Warn every soul that is in danger.
Leave none to deceive themselves. Call sin
by its right name. Declare what God has
said in regard to lying, Sabbath breaking,
stealing, idolatry, and every other evil.
`They which do such things shall not in-
herit the kingdom of God.' . . . If they
persist in sin, the judgment you have
declared from God's Word is pronounced
upon them in heaven. In choosing to sin;
they disown Christ; the church must show
that she does not sanction their deeds, or
she herself dishonors her Lord. She must
say about sin what God says about it. She
must deal with it as God directs, and her
action is ratified in heaven. He who de-
spises the authority of the church despises
the authority of Christ Himself."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 805, 806.
8.
How should members that have
been disfellowshiped be treated?
2 Cor. 2:6-8.
9.
Who should assume responsi-
bility for erring Christians, and what
end should they seek to achieve? Gal.
6:1, 2; James 5:20.
NOTE.—"If the erring one repents and
submits to Christ's discipline, he is to be
given another trial. And even if he does
not repent, even if he stands outside the
church, God's servants still have a work
to do for him. They are to seek earnestly
to win him to repentance. And, however
aggravated may have been his offense, if
he yields to the striving of the Holy Spirit
and, by confessing and forsaking his sin,
gives evidence of repentance, he is to be
forgiven and welcomed to the fold again.
His brethren are to encourage him in the
right way, treating him as they would
wish to be treated were they in his place,
considering themselves lest they also be
tempted."—Testimonies,
Vol. 7, p. 263.
10.
What special responsibility do
ministers bear toward the erring?
2 Tim. 2:24-26; Ezek. 3:17-19.
[25]
NoTE.—"Men appointed of God have
been chosen to watch with jealous care,
with vigilant perseverance, that the church
may not be overthrown by the evil devices
of Satan, but that she shall stand in the
world to promote the glory of God among
men."—Testimonies to Ministers,
page 53.
The Procedure for Church Discipline
11. Give three reasons for which
the church should discipline its mem-
bers.
ANSWER: (a) Denial of the Spirit of
Christ. 2 Tim.
3:5.
(b)
Denial of the doctrines taught by
the church. Rom. 16:17.
(c)
Rejection of the authority of
the
church. Heb. 13:17.
NOTE.—"Among the grievous sins for
which members shall be subject to church
discipline are the following:
"1.
Denial of faith in the fundamentals
of the gospel and in the cardinal doctrines
of the church or teaching doctrines con-
trary to the same.
"2.
Open violation of the law of God,
such as worship of idols, murder, adultery,
fornication, stealing, profanity, Sabbath
breaking, willful and habitual falsehood,
and the remarriage of a divorced person,
except of the innocent party in a divorce
for adultery.
"3.
Fraud or willful misrepresentation in
business.
"4.
Disorderly conduct which brings re-
proach upon the cause.
"5.
Persistent refusal to recognize prop-
erly constituted church authority or to
submit to the order and discipline of the
church.
"6.
The use, manufacture, or sale of
alcoholic beverages.
"7.
The use of tobacco or addiction to
narcotic drugs."—Church
Manual,
issued
by General Conference of S.D.A., 1963 ed.,
pp. 224, 225.
12. What types of wrongdoing
that warrant withdrawal of fellow-
ship are cited in the Bible? 2 Tim.
2:16-18; Titus 3:9-11; 2 Thess. 3:6;
1 Cor. 5:11, 13.
Thoughts for Personal Meditation
1.
Does my membership in Christ's
church enhance or detract from its purity?
2.
If all the members were like me, would
the church be better than it is now, or
worse?
3.
What attitude do I manifest toward
church members who are stumbling?
Lesson 8, for November 20, 1965
The Spiritual Life of Church Members
MEMORY VERSE:
"But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory
of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by
the Spirit of the Lord." 2 Cor. 3:18.
STUDY HELPS:
"Steps to Christ," chapter "The Work and the Life"; "Thoughts From
the Mount of Blessing," 1956 ed., pp. 138-152 (1943 ed. pp. 198-218); "S.D.A.
Bible Commentary."
STUDY AIM:
To review the high ideals and aims which God has for the members
of His church.
[ 26 ]
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check
Here
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey;
Tuesday: Questions 7-10.
begin learning memory verse.
Wednesday: Questions 11-14.
0
Sunday: Questions 1, 2; read from
Thursday: Finish reading' study
study helps.
helps.
Monday: Questions 3-6.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Living to Glorify God
1.
A major objective. 2 Thess.
1:11, 12.
2.
How God is glorified. Eph. 1:3,
4, 6 ; Matt. 5:16.
II. Living for Daily Spiritual Growth
3.
Goal to be attained. 2 Cor. 7:1;
Heb. 12:14.
4.
By the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Cor.
3:18.
5.
Depicted in Paul's prayer.
Eph. 3:14-19.
6.
The high standard. Col. 1:9-11.
III. The Means and Effects of Spiritual
Growth
7.
Accomplished by the power of God.
Phil. 1:10, 11.
8.
The mind is transformed. Rom.
12:2.
9.
Results in a new man. Eph.
4:21-24.
10.
The believer's own part. 1 Peter
2:2; Col. 2:6; Phil. 2:12, 13;
3:13, 14.
IV. Specific Counsel Concerning
Daily Living
11.
Things to refrain fre,ro doing.
Eph. 4:25 to 5:4.
12.
Love's way. Luke 6:27-31.
13.
Admonitions for all. Titus 2:2-7;
3:1-3.
14.
Genuine religion. James 1:27.
THE LESSON
Introduction
Concerning the church member's man-
ner of life, the Bible says, "Do all you
have to do without grumbling or arguing,
so that you may be God's children, blame-
less, sincere, and wholesome, living in a
warped and diseased world, and shining
there like lights in a dark place. For you
hold in your hands the very word of
life." Phil. 2:14-16
(The New Testament
in Modern English,
copyright J. B. Phil-
lips, 1958. Used by permission of the Mac-
millan Company, New York).
The responsibility of a Christian to
"walk worthy of the vocation wherewith
ye are called, with all lowliness and meek-
ness, with long-suffering, forbearing one
another in love" (Eph. 4:1, 2) is formi-
dable. Yet we do not draw back in fear,
but press forward "boldly unto
-
the throne
of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and
find grace to help in time of need." Heb.
4:16.
Living to Glorify God
1.
What should be the constant
aim of the Christian in endeavoring
to live a victorious life? 2 Thess.
1:11, 12.
2.
To what kind of life has God
called us? What did Jesus urge us to
do to glorify God? Eph. 1:4, 6; Matt.
5:16.
f27
]
NOTE.—"The world will be convinced not
so much by what the pulpit teaches as by
what the church lives. The preacher an-
nounces the theory of the gospel, but the
practical piety of the church demonstrates
its
power."—Testimonies,
Vol. 6, p. 260.
Living for Daily Spiritual Growth
3.
To what spiritual development
should the church member seek to
attain? 2 Cor. 7:1; Heb. 12:14. Com-
pare Prov. 4:18.
Nom.—The Greek word here translated
"perfecting" means "to bring to a consum-
mation or to a goal, to complete." The work
of sanctification, bringing the believer to
full spiritual growth and Christian matur-
ity, is a lifelong process and not something
accomplished by a single act. The Christian
must "grow in grace and in the knowledge
of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ."
2 Peter 3:18.
"The germination of the seed [in the
parable of Mark 4:26-28] represents the
beginning of spiritual life, and the devel-
opment of the plant is a figure of the
development of character. There can be
no life without growth. The plant must
either grow or die. As its growth is silent
and imperceptible, but continuous, so is the
growth of character. At every stage of
development our life may be perfect; yet
if God's purpose for us is fulfilled, there
will be constant advancement."—Education,
pages 105, 106.
4.
To whom are Christians to keep
looking as an example, and what re-
sult will this have in their lives?
2 Cor. 3:18. Compare Heb. 12:2.
Nam.—This scripture is translated in
the Revised Standard Version as follows:
"And we all, with unveiled face, beholding
the glory of the Lord, are being changed
into His likeness from one degree of glory
to another." "Men are changed in accord-
ance with what they contemplate."—
Counsels to Teachers,
page 460.
5.
What steps in Christian growth
did Paul cite in his prayer for the
Ephesians? Eph. 3:14-19.
6.
To what high standard did the
apostle pray that God would bring
the Christians in Colossae? Col. 1:9-11.
NOTE.—"The knowledge of God as re-
vealed in Christ is the knowledge that all
who are save.1 must have. It is the knowl-
edge that works transformation of char-
acter. This knowledge, received, will re-
create the soul in the image of God. It will
impart to the whole being a spiritual power
that is divine. . . .
"As Jesus was in human nature, so God
means His followers to be. In His strength
we are to live the life of purity and nobil-
ity which the Saviour lived."—The
Minis-
try of Healing,
pages 425, 426.
The Means and Results of
Spiritual Growth
7.
Through whose help and power
only can the believer grow spiri-
tually? Phil. 1:10, 11. Compare Heb.
13:20, 21.
8.
In the process of spiritual re-
newal, what fundamental change must
be effected? Rom. 12:2.
NOTE.—"Renewing of your mind.
Before
conversion, man's power of reason, the
faculty for discerning between right and
wrong, is under the dominion of bodily im-
pulses. The mind is described as a 'fleshly
mind' (Col. 2:18). But at the time of
conversion the mind comes under the in-
fluence of the Spirit of God. The result is
that 'we have the mind of Christ' (1 Cor.
2:13-16). . . And as the inward man is
being transformed by the power of the
Holy Spirit, so the outward life is being
[28]
progressively changed. The, sanctification
of the mind will reveal itself in a holier
way of living, as the character of Christ
is more and more perfectly reproduced in
the believer."—S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
on Rom. 12:2.
9. How does Paul figuratively de-
scribe the changed life of the Chris-
tian? Eph. 4:21-24.
13.
What admonition is given to
church members of various age levels?
Titus 2:2-7; 3:1-3.
14.
How does James sum up the
essence of genuine religion? James
1:27.
Thoughts for Personal Meditation
10. Besides surrendering his will
to Christ, what else must the believer
do to promote his spiritual growth?
ANSWER.—(a) He must feed on the Word
of God. 1 Peter 2:2.
(b)
He must pray for a new spirit and
claim the promise. Ps. 51:10; Ezek. 36:
26, 27.
(c)
He must continue living by faith.
Heb. 10:22, 23; Col. 2:6.
(d)
He must obey, to the best of his
ability. Phil. 2:12, 13; John 14:15.
(e)
He must persevere. Luke 13:24;
Phil. 3:13, 14.
NOTE.—"Wrongs cannot be righted, nor
can reformations in character be made, by
a few feeble, intermittent efforts. Sanctifi-
cation is the work, not of a day, or of a
year, but of a lifetime. The struggle for
conquest over self, for holiness and heaven,
is a lifelong struggle. Without continual
effort and constant activity there can be
no advancement in the divine life, no at-
tainment of the victor's
crown."—Testi-
monies,
Vol. 8, pp. 312, 313.
Specific Counsel Concerning
Daily Living
11. What will be put out of the
life of a converted person? Eph. 4:25
to 5:4.
12. How does
the
true Christian
treat his enemies and those who im-
pose upon him? Luke 6:27-31.
"There are those who have known the
pardoning love of Christ and who really
desire to be children of God, yet they real-
ize that their character is imperfect, their
life faulty, and they are ready to doubt
whether their hearts have been renewed by
the Holy Spirit. To such I would say, Do
not draw back in despair. We shall often
have to bow down and weep at the feet of
Jesus because of our shortcomings and
mistakes, but we are not to be discouraged.
Even if we are overcome by the enemy, we
are not cast off, not forsaken and rejected
of God. No; Christ is at the right hand
of God, who also maketh intercession for
us. Said the beloved John, 'These things
write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if
any man sin, we have an advocate with the
Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.' 1 John
2:1. And do not forget the words of Christ,
`The Father Himself loveth you.' John
16:27. He desires to restore you to Him-
self, to see His own purity and holiness
reflected in you. And if you will but yield
yourself to Him, He that hath begun a
good work in you will carry it forward to
the day of Jesus Christ."—Steps
to Christ,
page 64.
"If
we consent, He will so
identify Himself with our
thoughts and aims, so blend
our hearts and minds into
conformity to His will, that
when obeying Him we shall
be but carrying out our own
impulses."—Th
e Desire of
Ages,
page 668.
[29
]
Lesson 9, for November 27, 1965
The Ordinances of the Church
MEMORY VERSE:
"For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have
put on Christ." Gal. 3:27.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Desire of Ages," pages 642-661; Ellen G. White Comments,
"S.D.A. Bible Commentary," Vol. 5, pp. 1138-1140; Vol. 6, pp. 1074, 1075;
"Testimonies," Vol. 6, pp. 91-99.
STUDY AIM:
To learn the meaning and relevance of the ordinances of the church.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey;
learn memory verse.
0
Sunday: Questions 1-3; read from
study helps.
0
Monday: Questions 4-7.
Check
Here
Tuesday: Questions 8-10.
Wednesday: Questions 11-13; read
from study helps.
Thursday: Finish reading helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Baptism—The Portal to the Church
1.
Its importance. Matt. 3:13-15;
28:19.
2.
Its significance. Rom. 6:3-8;
Col. 2:12.
3.
The gateway into the church. Acts
2:41, 47.
II. Foot Washing—A Symbol of
Service
4.
The necessity. Luke 22:24-27.
5.
Jesus' action. John 13:4, 5.
6.
A new ordinance. John 13:12-17.
7.
Its significance. John 13:6-8.
III. The Lord's Supper
8.
A reminder of Christ's vicarious
death. 1 Cor. 11:23-25.
9.
A declaration of faith. 1 Cor.
11:26.
10.
Communion with the Lord. 1 Cor.
10:16; John 6:53-57.
11.
Fellowship with other Christians.
1 Cor. 10:17.
12.
A warning. 1 Cor. 11:27, 29.
13.
A personal decision. 1 Cor. 11:28.
THE LESSON -
Introduction
Webster's New International Dictionary,
Second Edition, defines the word "ordi-
nance" as "an established rite for the
administration of a sacrament; hence, a
sacrament, especially the Communion."
The same dictionary defines a "sacrament"
as follows: "One of certain religious acts,
ceremonies, or practices distinguished from
all others in Christian rites as having been
observed or recognized by Christ and given
a certain character by Him." It is in this
sense that we use the words "ordinance"
and "sacrament" for baptism, foot wash-
ing, and the Lord's Supper. The actual
acts of baptism, foot washing, and eating
the emblematic bread and wine do not
carry spiritual value of themselves, because
a person may participate in them merely
as a form without being spiritually pre-
pared. For such persons no spiritual value
is received. But for the person who has by
faith, prayer, and obedience entered into
[30]
spiritual fellowship with the Lord, the
taking part in these symbolic acts may
bring a deep spiritual blessing in a manner
which we cannot adequately describe in
words, and which could not be received in
any other way. There is no substitute, no
other resource or means, by which to ob-
tain the specific blessing that comes as a
result of participating in the ordinances
with the right spirit.
Baptism—The Portal to the Church
1.
How important did Jesus con-
sider baptism, and how does His own
example and practice reinforce His
command? Matt. 3:13-15; 28:19. Com-
pare John 4:1.
2.
What does the rite of baptism
signify? Rom. 6:3-8; Col. 2:12.
3.
According to the teaching of
the New Testament, into what re-
lationship with the church did bap-
tized persons enter immediately? Acts
2:41, 47.
NOTE.—"Christ has made baptism the
sign of entrance to His spiritual kingdom.
He has made this a positive condition with
which all must comply who wish to be
acknowledged as under the authority of
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit."
—Testimonies,
Vol. 6, page 91.
Foot Washing—A Symbol of
Service
4.
What spiritual condition among
the disciples made necessary the
ordinance of foot washing? Luke
2
2:24-27.
5.
What necessary service did Jesus
perform for His disciples that one of
them should have fulfilled? John
13:4, 5.
6.
What words of Jesus show that
at the time He performed that neces-
sary service, He introduced a new
ordinance for all His followers? John
13:12-17.
NoTE.—The Saviour gave three reasons
why all Christians should participate in
this new ordinance:
(a)
His command—
"Ye . . . ought to wash one another's
feet" (verse 14) ;
(b)
His example (verse
15) ; and
(c)
His promised blessing to
those who obey (verse 17).
"In washing the feet of His disciples,
Christ gave evidence that He would do
any service, however humble, that would
make them heirs with Him of the eternal
wealth of heaven's treasure. His disciples,
in performing the same rite, pledge them-
selves in like manner to serve their breth-
ren."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 651.
"The ordinance of feet washing is an
ordinance of service. This is the lesson the
Lord would have all learn and practice."
—Ellen G. White Comments,
S.D.A. Bible
Commentary,
Vol. 5, p. 1138.
"By taking part in the ordinance of
feet washing we show that we are willing
to perform this act of humility. We are
doing the very thing Christ did, but this
is not to be talked of as an act of humil-
iation. It is an act' which symbolizes the
condition of the mind and heart."—Ibid.,
p. 1139.
7.
What spiritual lessons are there
in this ordinance? John 13:6-8.
NOTE.—When a person permits his feet
to be washed, he is bearing witness to the
fact that he does not consider himself to
be perfect, but recognizes that he needs the
cleansing power of God, and that he is now
seeking, or already has sought, that cleans-
ing from God.
The Lord's Supper
8.
What important function does
the Lord's Supper fulfill in the spiri-
tual experience of the participant?
1 Cor. 11:23-25.
[31
]
NoTE.—In order that Christians might
regularly be brought to recall the debt
they owe to Christ, the Lord's Supper was
instituted. As we take the broken piece of
bread representing Christ's broken body,
or taste the wine symbolizing the blood
by which Jesus sealed the new covenant of
grace in His death, we cannot fail to bring
into full remembrance the cross of Cal-
vary and its implications for us. As we
partake in solemn awe, we again see things
in true perspective.
9.
To what do we testify when we
partake of the Lord's Supper? 1 Cor.
11:26.
NOTE.—The Greek word which Paul used
that is here translated "shew" in the King
James Version, really means, and is regu-
larly rendered, "proclaim," "declare" (1
Cor. 2:1), or "preach" (1 Cor. 9:14; Acts
13:5, 38). The apostle is saying that as
Christians eat the emblematic bread and
drink the wine they are making a public
declaration of their faith in the death of
Christ as an effective, vicarious atone-
ment for their sins, and in His second
coming.
10.
What other fundamental wit-
ness is given by participation in the
Lord's Supper? 1 Cor. 10:16; John
6:53-57.
NoTE.—"Eating of the body, and drink-
ing of the blood, of Christ, not merely at
the sacramental service, but daily par-
taking of the bread of life to satisfy the
soul's hunger, would be receiving His Word
and doing His will."—Ellen G. White Com-
ments,
S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
Vol. 5,
page 1140.
11.
What does participation in the
Lord's Supper teach us concerning
our relationships with fellow Chris-
tians? 1 Cor. 10:17.
NOTE.—"This is an allusion to the fact
that the Communion bread is broken into
many pieces, which are eaten by the be-
lievers; and as all the pieces come from
the same loaf, so all the believers who par-
take of the Communion service are united
in Him whose broken body is thus typified
by the broken bread. By partaking together
of this ordinance, Christians show publicly
that they are united and belong to one
great family, whore head is Christ."—S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
on 1 Cor. 10:17.
12.
What warning do the Scrip-
tures give to those who partake of
the Lord's Supper when they are con-
sciously violating the law of God?
1 Cor. 11:27, 29.
13.
Upon whom does the responsi-
bility rest for the decision to par-
ticipate in the Lord's Supper? 1 Cor.
11:28. Compare 1 Cot.. 5:11-13.
NOTE.—"Christ's example forbids ex-
clusiveness at the Lord's Supper. It is true
that open sin excludes the guilty. This the
Holy Spirit plainly teaches. 1 Cor. 5:11.
But beyond this none are to pass judg-
ment. God has not left it with men to say
who shall present themselves on these oc-
casions. For who can read the heart? Who
can distinguish the tares from the wheat?"
—The Desire of Ages,
page 656.
Thoughts for Personal Meditation
1.
Am I willing to do any service that
the Lord asks me to perform? and for
anyone?
2.
Have I sought for the deeper mean-
ing of the Communion services, or do I
thoughtlessly avoid participation, with the
careless observation that I derive no benefit
from them?
3.
Do I seek real communion with my
Lord through feeding daily and deeply
on His Word and through prayer?
[ 32 ]
Lesson 10, for December 4, 1965
The Church at Worship
MEMORY VERSE:
"I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house
of the Lord." Ps. 122:1.
STUDY HELPS:
"Testimonies," Vol. 5, pp. 491-500, 607-609; Vol. 6, pp.• 174, 175;
"S.D.A. Bible Commentary."
STUDY AIM:
To recognize the values to be received from regular attendance at
the worship services of the church, and to understand the contribution the
worshiper is to make to such services.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey;
Check Here
study helps.
0
learn memory verse.
Wednesday: Questions 11-14.
0
Sunday: Questions 1-4.
Thursday:
Finish reading
study
Monday: Questions 5-8.
helps.
0
Tuesday: Questions 9, 10; read from
Friday: Review entire lesson.
0
Lesson
Outline:
Introduction
I. Purpose of the Church Service
1.
For worship. Ps. 99:9; 95:6.
2.
For mutual encouragement. Heb.
10:24, 25.
3.
For instruction. Luke 4:17-21.
4.
For prayer. Isa. 56:7; Matt. 21:13.
II. Necessary Elements of Worship
5.
A sensing of God's presence. Matt.
18:20; Ps. 84:1, 2.
6.
A proper spirit. John 4:23, 24.
7.
Praise and thanksgiving. Ps. 107:1,
2; 135:1-3; 150:1, 2.
8. Confession and prayer for forgive-
ness. Ps. 51:1-3, 12.
III. Some Results of Worship
9. Dedication of one's self for service.
Isa. 6:8.
10. Desire to worship again. Ps. 122:1;
42:1, 2.
IV. Conducting the Worship Service
11. Sabbath worship. Luke 4:16, 31.
12. With order and decorum. 1 Cor.
14:33, 40; Ps. 96:9.
13. The conduct of the worshipers.
Eccl. 5:1, 2; Neh. 8:6; Ps. 89:7.
14. Ways of expressing praise. 2 Chron.
29:30; Ps. 98:5, 6; 105:1, 2; 107:1,
2; 96:1, 2; 150:3-5.
THE LESSON
Introduction
In the Hebrew sanctuary God came to
meet with His people, manifesting Him-
self to them in the Shekinah. In the
Christian church Christ is present in the
midst of His worshiping people, for He
promised, "Where two or three are gath.-
ered together in My name, there am I in
the midst of them." The worship service
is of great importance in the spiritual life
of a Christian, for it is the setting in which
we meet Christ, who unites our minds and
affections to God the Father and to our
[
331
brethren. In the worship experience God
communicates and mediates to us His sav-
ing, sanctifying grace and His richest bless-
ings. Through instruction from the Word,
through public witness by means of the
ordinances, through prayer and worship,
these blessings are imparted to us.
Purpose of the Church Service
1.
What important purpose for re-
ligious assemblies is explicitly stated
in the Word of God? Ps. 99:9; 95:6.
NoTE.—In the Hebrew language in which
the Old Testament was written the word
we translate into English as "worship" lit-
erally means "to bow down." The word
used by New Testament writers meant
practically the same, namely, "to get down
on one's knees before." The meaning of
our English word "worship" is indicated
by its Anglo-Saxon form, "worth-ship,"
that is, reverence paid to an object of
supreme worth. To the Christian, all that
is of supreme worth and value centers in
our holy, omnipotent Creator, before whom
we kneel in awe and reverent worship.
2.
What are Christians exhorted
to do? Heb. 10:24, 25.
NOTE.—"We sustain a loss when we
neglect the privilege of associating to-
gether to strengthen and encourage one
another in the service of God. The truths
of His Word lose their vividness and im-
portance in our minds. Our hearts cease
to be enlightened and aroused by their
sanctifying influence, and we decline in
spirituality. In our association as Chris-
tians we lose much by lack of sympathy
with one another. He who shuts himself
up to himself is not filling the position that
God designed he should."—Steps
to Christ,
page 101.
3.
In harmony with the example
set by Jesus, what is .to have a
prominent place in the Sabbath wor-
ship service? Luke 4:17-21.
4.
What function to be fulfilled in
the church is indicated by the name
given in the Bible for the house of
God? Isa. 56:7; Matt. 21:13.
Necessary Elements of Worship
5.
Whom may the worshiper con-
fidently expect to meet in the church
service? Matt. 18:20; Ps. 84:1, 2.
Nom—Worship services are to be con-
ducted in such a way as to bring every
worshiper into the presence of God. Unless
we have a sense of the holiness of God
and of His mysterious presence, whatever
we do at church is not really worship.
When true worshipers come to church, they
do so because they want to place them-
selves in the presence of their holy God.
The absolute holiness of God renders His
presence both fearful and alluring. It is
fearful because in God's sinless presence we
become aware of our sinfulness and crea-
tureliness. With Isaiah, we feel like cry-
ing, "Woe is me! for I am undone; because
I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in
the midst of a people of unclean lips."
Isa. 6:5. Aware of our great distance from
God, we pray fervently, "God be merciful
to me a sinner," and we bow down and
worship. But God's presence is also allur-
ing. We are drawn to Him because we
sense that He is our only source of help,
and our hearts rejoice when we obtain
from Him mercy, forgiveness, and cleans-
ing.
6.
In what attitude are worshipers
to come before God? John 4:23, 24.
NOTE.—"The evil of formal worship
cannot be too strongly depicted, but no
words can properly set forth the deep
blessedness of genuine worship."—Testi-
monies,
Vol. 9, page 143.
God gave men His Word in order that
they might worship Him in truth. This is
important; but equally important is the
spirit that men bring with them when
they worship. Jesus spoke these words
(John 4:23, 24) to the woman of Samaria
[ 34 ]
who wanted Him to settle the old argument
concerning whether Jerusalem or Samaria
was the place in which God desired His
people .to worship. Jesus answered that
the place was not the important factor in
worship. God can be worshiped anywhere.
The object of our worship does not need
a roof or walls; but inasmuch as the wor-
shipers on this earth do need both to pro-
tect them from the elements and to give
them privacy as they worship, the roof
k
and the walls should be constructed and
appointed in such a way as to aid in the
act of worship—both functionally and as
a means to exalt the spirit and engender
an attitude of worship.
7.
What is one of the most impor-
tant components of worship? Ps.
107:1, 2; 135:1-3; 150:1, 2.
8.
What other kind of prayer be-
sides praise and thanksgiving is also
acceptable to God in worship? Ps.
51:1-3, 12.
Some Results of Worship
9.
What attitude of dedication does
genuine worship generate? Isa. 6:8.
NoTE.—The renewing power of worship
adds to our spiritual strength ; it makes
us more like our Lord; it deepens our
commitment for Christian service. To
realize this, one need but consider what
happens to those who regularly neglect
the worship assemblies of the church.
10.
How does a person who enters
fully into the worship experience feel
relative to attendance at divine ser-
vices? Ps. 122:1; 42:1, 2.
Conducting the Worship Service
11.
On what day of the week did
Jesus assemble with His disciples and
His community for worship? Luke
4:16, 31. Compare 1 John 2:6.
NOTE.—"We shall follow the Lamb of
God in the courts above only if we follow
Him here. Following Him in heaven de-
pends on our keeping His commandments
now. We are not to follow Christ fitfully
or capriciously, only when it is for our
advantage."—Ellen G. White Comments,
S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
Vol. 7, p. 978.
12.
What counsel do the Scriptures
give concerning the order and con-
duct of church services? 1 Cor. 14:33,
40; Ps. 96:9.
13.
How are worshipers to conduct
themselves in the house of God?
Eccl. 5:1, 2; Neh. 8:6; Ps. 89:7.
14.
Name four distinct ways in
which praise and thanksgiving can be
expressed in the worship service.
2 Chron. 29:30; Ps. 98:5, 6; 105:1, 2;
107:1, 2; 96:1, 2; 150:3-5.
NotE.
"As
a part of religious service,
singing is as much an act of worship as
is prayer. Indeed, many a song is prayer."
—Education,
page 168.
"Music forms a part of God's worship
in the courts above, and we should en-
deavor, in our songs of praise, to approach
as nearly as possible to the harmony of the
heavenly
choirs."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 594.
Thoughts for Personal Meditation
1.
When I attend church, do I consciously
and purposefully seek to meet God?
2.
Do I try to keep my mind in a spirit
of worship while I am in the house of
God?
3.
If I do not enjoy the church service,
is it because I need to confess something
and make it right?
[ 35 ]
Lesson 11, for December 11, 1965
God's Plan for Financing Church Activities
MEMORY VERSE:
"But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able
to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of Thee, and of Thine
own have we given Thee." 1 Chron. 29:14.
STUDY HELPS:
"Counsels on Stewardship," pages 65-103; "The Acts of the Apos- ,
tles," pages 335-345; "Testimonies," Vol. 2, pages 573-575; Vol. 3, pages
381-408; Vol. 9, pages 245-251; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary."
STUDY AIM:
To examine God's plan for financing His work and man's respon-
sibility as God's steward of material possessions.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey;
begin learning memory verse.
Sunday: Questions 1, 2; read from
study helps.
Monday: Questions 3-6.
0
Check Here
Tuesday: Questions 7-12.
Wednesday: Questions 13, 14; read
from study helps.
0
Thursday: Finish reading study
helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:)
Introduction
I. Giving Is Necessary to Fulfill the
Gospel Commission
1.
Workers must be sent. Rom.
10: 1'3-15.
2.
Workers are to be supported by the
church. 1 Cor. 9:7, 11, 13, 14.
II. Giving Is Necessary for Our
Own Good
3.
An acknowledgment of God's
ownership and our stewardship.
Ps. 24:1; 1 Chron. 29:14.
4.
Results in spiritual blessing. Acts
20:35.
5.
A proof of sincerity and love.
2 Cor. 8:1-8.
6.
An impetus toward self-dedication.
Matt. 6:21.
36
God's Plan for Church Finance
7. God reserves one tenth. Lev.
27:30, 32; Prov. 3:9.
8. To be brought to the church's
treasury. Mal. 3:10, first part;
Num. 18:21.
9. Freewill offerings, also suggested.
1 Chron. 16:29; 2 Cor. 9:7.
10. Based on proportionate participa-
tion. 2 Cor. 8:13, 14.
11. Failure to participate, regarded
as robbery. Mal. 3:8, 9.
12. Cheerful participation becomes
an act of worship. Deut. 26:10;
2 Chron. 29:29.
13.
Spiritual and material prosperity.
Mal. 3:10, 11; Prov. 3:9, 10.
14.
A rewarding life. 2 Cor. 9:6;
Prov. 11:24, 25.
IV. Promises to Those Who Follow
God's Plan
THE LESSON
Giving
Introduction
"The light of the gospel shining from
the cross of Christ rebukes selfishness and
encourages liberality and benevolence. It
should not be a lamented fact that there
are increasing calls to give. God in His
providence is calling His people out from
their limited sphere of action, to enter
upon greater enterprises. Unlimited effort
is demanded at this time when moral dark-
ness is covering the world. Many of God's
people are in danger of being ensnared by
worldliness and covetousness. They should
understand that it is His mercy that
multiplies the demands for their means.
Objects that call benevolence into action
must be placed before them, or they cannot
pattern after the character of the great
Exemplar."—Testimonies,
Vol. 9, pages
254, 255.
Giving Is Necessary to Fulfill
the Gospel Commission
1.
What must the church do in
order to carry out the command of
Jesus to preach the gospel in all the
world? Rom. 10:13-15.
2.
What responsibility does the
church have toward those whom she
sends forth to lead out in her work?
1 Cor. 9:7, 11, 13, 14. Compare Luke
10:7.
NOTE.—God expects every church mem-
ber to witness for his Lord and to partic-
ipate actively and personally in the
church's activities. However, it is vital that
some persons devote full time to planning
and leading out in the work of the church.
Such persons cannot do justice to their
responsibilities unless provision is made by
the church for their living expenses and
for the facilities they need with which to
do their work. The Bible plainly teaches
that all church members have a responsi-
bility to give of their means to support
those whom they have chosen to serve as
their representatives.
Is Necessary for Our Own
Good
3.
What does the Christian ac-
knowledge when he makes gifts to
God and His work? Ps. 24:1; 1 Chron.
29:14. Compare Deut. 8:18; Haggai
2:8.
4.
What do those receive who give
to help others? Acts 20:35.
NOTE.—"Unselfish liberality threw the
early church into a transport of joy; for
the believers knew that their efforts were
helping to send the gospel message to those
in darkness. Their benevolence testified
that they had not received the grace of
God in vain. . . .
"Spiritual prosperity is closely bound up
with Christian liberality. The followers of
Christ should rejoice in the privilege of
revealing in their lives the beneficence of
their Redeemer. As they give to the Lord
they have the assurance that their treasure
is going before them to the heavenly
courts."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
pages
344, 345.
5.
What did Paul tell the Co-
rinthians that giving to help the poor
believers in Jerusalem would prove?
2 Cor. 8:1-8.
6.
What effect does giving of one's
means for God's work have upon the
giver? Matt. 6:21. Compare 2 Cor.
8:5.
NoTE —"In every effort to benefit others,
we benefit ourselves. He who gives money
or time for spreading the gospel enlists his
own interest and prayers for the work, and
for the souls to be reached through it; his
affections go out to others, and he is stim-
ulated to greater devotion to God, that he
may be enabled to do them the greatest
[ 37 ]
good."—Thoughts From the Mount of
Blessing,
page 90.
"Acts of generosity and benevolence were
designed by God to keep the hearts of the
children of men tender and sympathetic,
and to encourage in them an interest and
affection for one another. . • . The law of
tithing was founded upon an enduring
principle and was designed to be a blessing
to
man."—Testimonies,
Vol. 3, p. 547.
God's Plan for Church Finance
7.
What percent of man's income
does God claim as holy unto Himself,
and upon what basis is this percent-
age to be computed? Lev. 27:30, 32;
Prov. 3:9.
NorE.—The word "tithe" is an old
Anglo-Saxon word meaning "a tenth part."
The Hebrew word which is translated
"tithe" simply means "a tenth." It is not
left with each person to determine the
basic proportion of his income that he
will give to satisfy the command of God.
The Lord specifically claims a tenth of
one's increase as His own. The giving of
anything less than a full tenth is not
tithing.
"In determining the proportion to be
given to the cause of God, be sure to ex-
ceed, rather than fall short, of the require-
ments of duty. Consider for whom the
offering is to be made. This recollection
will put covetousness to flight. Only con-
sider the great love Wherewith Christ has
loved us, and our richest offerings will
seem unworthy of His acceptance. When
Christ is the object of our affections, those
who have received His pardoning love will
not stop to calculate the value of the ala-
baster box of precious ointment."—Testi-
monies,
Vol. 4, p. 485.
8.
Where is the tithe to be brought
and for whom is it to be reserved?
Mal. 3:10, first part; Num. 18:21.
Compare Neh. 13:12, 13.
Nors.—"The tithe
God for Himself. It
His treasury to be
is sacred, reserved by
is to be brought into
used to sustain the
gospel laborers in their work. For a long
time the Lord has been robbed because
there are those who do not realize that the
tithe is God's reserved portion.
"Some have been dissatisfied and have
said; 'I will not longer pay my tithe, for
I have no confidence in the way things
are managed at the heart of the work.'
But will you rob God because you think
the management of the work is not right?
Make your complaint, plainly and openly,
in the right spirit, to the proper ones. Send
in your petitions for things to be adjusted
and set in order; but do not withdraw
from the work of God, and prove unfaith-
ful, because others are not doing right."—
Testimonies,
Vol. 9, p. 249.
9.
In addition to the tithe, what are
we asked to give for the support of
His work? 1 Chron. 16:29; 2 Cor.
9:7.
NorE.—Freewill offerings are used to add
to the tithe for the support of the ministry
and also for the erection of houses of
worship (Ex. 35:5, 21, 29; 1 Chron. 29:9),
and for special projects and services that
could not otherwise be provided to hasten
forward the Lord's work. (For details of
a highly organized campaign for freewill
offerings, conceived and directed by the
apostle Paul among all Christian churches
in order to give financial assistance to
Christians in Judea who were in dire need
because of Jewish persecutions, see 1 Cor.
16:1; 2 Cor. 8:1-24; 9:1-8.)
10.
Why is God's plan for financ-
ing His work superior to any other?
2 Cor. 8:13, 14.
NoTE.—Tithing equalizes financial re-
sponsibility in that the person with the
largest income pays the largest amount of
tithe. As the following scriptures indicate,
freewill offerings are also predicated on
proportionate giving: "Every man shall
give as he is able," Deut. 16:17. "They gave
after their ability," Ezra 2:69. "As God
hath prospered him," 1 Cor. 16:2. "By
an equality," 2 Cor. 8:14. God asks pro-
portionate responsibility from the higher
[ 38 ]
privileged. "For unto whomsoever much
is given, of him shall be much required."
Luke 12:48. There is a sort of surtax in
the moral as well as in the financial realm.
11.
What serious charge does God
bring against those who refuse to
participate in His plan of church
finance? Mal. 3:8, 9.
12.
With what is the act of giving
usually associated in the Bible? Deut.
26:10; 2 Chron. 29:29.
Promises to Those Who Follow
God's Plan
13.
What definite promise is made
to those who follow God's plan of
stewardship? Mal. 3:10, 11; Prov.
3:9, 10.
NOTE.—The major blessings that come
from faithfully returning tithes and offer-
ings to God are in the spiritual realm.
Such blessings—firm faith in God, confi-
dence in God and in our brethren, peace in
our hearts, a clear conscience, the respect
of our peers, a good family—are of far
more worth even than good crops, a steady
job, or a prospering business.
14.
What promise does God give
to those who honor Him with their
substance? 2 Cor. 9:6; Prov. 11:24, 25.
Thoughts for Personal Meditation
"As the Giver of every blessing, God
claims a certain portion of all we possess.
This is His provision to sustain the preach-
ing of the gospel. And by making this
return to God, we are to show our ap-
preciation of His gifts. But if we withhold
from Him that which is His own, how can
we claim His blessing? If we are unfaith-
ful stewards of earthly things, how can
we. expect Him to entrust us with the
things of heaven? It may be that here is
the secret of unanswered
prayer."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
page 144.
Lesson 12, for December 18, 1965
Unity in Christ
MEMORY VERSE:
"So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and everyone
members one of another." Rom.
12:5.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Acts of the Apostles," pages
162-165;
"Testimonies" Vol.
3,
pp.
444-451; Vol.
8, pp.
239-243; Vol.
9, pp. 144-146,
257-261; "S.D.A.
Bible Commentary."
STUDY AIM:
To seek to understand the importance of unity in the church and
what attitudes of church members make for unity.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check
Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey;
learn memory verse.
Sunday: Questions 1-4.
Monday: Questions
5-7;
read from
study helps.
0
Check Here
Tuesday: Questions 8-10.
Wednesday: Questions 11-14.
Thursday: Finish reading study
helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
[39
]
truth and witnessing to him of the will of
God as expressed in the Bible. Inasmuch
as the Holy Spirit does not teach one be-
liever contrary to that which He teaches
another, the work of the Spirit creates
unity of faith, belief, and aspiration.
4.
In addition to worshiping God,
communing with Christ, and drinking
of the Spirit, what else do Christians
have in common that engenders unity?
Eph. 4:4-6, 11-13.
NoTE.—The unity we need is first of all
a spiritual unity. It has been truly said
that attempts to force unity end only in
an illusion of outer unity, for the true
unity rests upon a common faith, hope,
and mission. Given such inner spiritual
unity, the outward manifestation will be-
come apparent in the institutional aspects
of the church ; for these are but concrete
earthly and temporary expressions of the
church's heart.
Interrelationships of Members
of the Body
5.
How should members of the
church relate themselves to Christ?
Eph. 5:22-24. Compare Eph. 1:22, 23.
6.
How does the Bible indicate the
fact that Christ communicates with
members through the instrumentality
of other members? Eph. 4:16; Col.
2:19.
NoTE.—The word translated as "joint"
in Ephesians 4:16 also means "connec-
tion," "contact," and the phrase has been
translated "compacted through every con-
tact of the supply." The "supply" is the
directing intelligence and vital power
supplied by Christ, the head of the church.
This supply, the Bible says, is sent through-
out the body of Christ by a succession of
contacts, so that every part of the body
shares in the direction, spiritual nourish-
ment, and power which Christ gives; also
every part is a channel that passes on the
"supply" to other parts of the body.
7.
How does Paul's experience at
the time of his conversion reveal
God's plan to use members of the
church to save sinners? Acts 9:6, 10,
11, 15-20.
NOTE.—"The Redeemer of the world does
not sanction experience and exercise in
religious matters independent of His or-
ganized and acknowledged church, where
He has a church.
"Many have the idea that they are re-
sponsible to Christ alone for their light
and experience, independent of His ac-
knowledged followers in the world. But this
is condemned by Jesus in His teachings and
in the examples, the facts, which He has
given for our instruction. Here was Paul,
one whom Christ was to fit for a most
important work, one who was to be a
chosen vessel unto Him, brought directly
into the presence of Christ; yet He does not
teach him the lessons of truth. He arrests
his course and convicts him; and when
he asks, 'What wilt Thou have me to do ?'
the Saviour does not tell him directly, but
places him in connection with His church.
They will tell thee what thou must do.
. . . He directs Saul to the church, thus
acknowledging the power that He has
invested in it as a channel of light to the
world. It is Christ's organized body upon
the earth, and respect is required to be paid
to His ordinances. In the case of Saul,
Ananias represents Christ, and he also
represents Christ's ministers upon the
earth who are appointed to act in Christ's
stead."—Testimonies,
Vol. 3, pp. 432, 433.
8.
What is one of the main func-
tions to be performed for the church
by those to whom God has given
spiritual gifts? Eph. 4:11, 14, 15.
NOTE.—"The Word of God does not
give license for one man to set up his
judgment in opposition to the judgment
of the church, neither is he allowed to
urge his opinions against the opinions of
the church. If there were no church dis-
[41]
His people. Truth is a unit. The unity
that God requires must be cultivated day
by day if we would answer the prayer of
Christ. The disunion that is striving for
existence among those who profess to be-
lieve the last message of mercy to be given
to the world, must find no place; for it
would be a fearful hindrance to the ad-
vancement of God's work. His servants
are to be one, as Christ is one with the
Father; their powers, illuminated, inspired,
and sanctified, must be united to make a
complete whole. Those who love God and
keep His commandments are not to draw
apart; they are to press together."—Testi-
monies,
Vol. 8, pp. 174, 175.
Thoughts for Personal Meditation
1.
Are my own attitudes such as will
foster a spirit of unity and brotherly love,
or the spirit of criticism, aloofness, and
divisiveness?
2.
Am I consciously striving to help
bring about the unity for which Jesus
prayed?
3.
Do I recognize that when I seek to
commune with Christ I must also seek
fellowship with other children of God?
Lesson 13, for December 25, 1965
The Church in the Last Days
MEMORY VERSE:
"And the dragon
was wroth
with the woman, and went to
make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of
God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ." Rev. 12:17.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Acts of the Apostles," pages 593-602; "Prophets and Kings,"
pages 722-733; "Testimonies," Vol. 8, pp. 41-47; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary,"
Vol. 7, pp. 813-815.
STUDY AIM:
To study the Bible teaching concerning God's special message for
the people in the last days and the reward God is preparing for the church
when His kingdom of glory shall be ushered in.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey;
begin learning memory verse.
Sunday: Questions 1-5.
Monday: Questions 6-8; read from
study helps.
Check Here
Tuesday: Questions 9, 10; read further
from study helps.
Wednesday: Questions 11-13.
Thursday: Finish reading study
helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. The Remnant Church
1. God always retained a remnant.
Isa. 37:31, 32.
433
2.
The remnant in Paul's day.
Rom. 11:5.
3.
In the Dark Ages. Rev. 12:14-16.
4.
In the last days. Rev. 12:17.
5.
God is still gathering His flock.
John 10:16; Rev. 18:4.
11. The Church Militant
6.
A warfare to be waged. 2 Tim. 2:3,
4; Eph. 6:11-13.
7.
A special message for the last days.
Rev. 14:6-12.
8.
Restores the downtrodden Sabbath.
Isa. 58:12, 13.
9.
Calls men out of spiritual Babylon.
Rev. 18:4.
10.
The blessed hope of the church.
Titus 2:11-14.
III. The Church Triumphant
11.
The second coming of Christ.
Rev. 14:14, 15.
12.
The members glorified. Phil. 3:20,
21; 1 Cor. 15:51-54.
13.
The final triumph. Rev. 7:14-17;
15:2, 3; 22:1-6.
THE LESSON
Introduction
"That which God purposed to do for the
world through Israel, the chosen nation,
He will finally accomplish through His
church on earth today. He has 'let out
His vineyard unto other htisbandmen,'
even to His covenant-keeping people, who
faithfully 'render Him the fruits in their
seasons.'. Never has the Lord been without
true representatives on this earth who have
made His interests their own. These wit-
nesses for God are numbered among the
spiritual Israel, and to them will be ful-
filled all the covenant promises made by
Jehovah to His ancient
people."—Prophets
and Kings,
pages 713, 714.
The Remnant Church
1. Despite repeated military defeats
with the scattering of the Hebrew
people, what did God always retain?
Isa. 37:31, 32.
NOTE.—"The 'remnant' of OT times is
thus composed of successive generations of
Israelites—God's chosen people. Again and
again the majority apostatized, but each
time there was a faithful 'remnant' that
became exclusive heirs to the sacred prom-
ises, privileges, and responsibilities of the
covenant originally made with Abraham
and confirmed at Sinai. This 'remnant' was
the formally appointed group to which God
purposed to send the Messiah and through
which He proposed to evangelize the hea-
then; it did not consist of scattered in-
dividuals as such, however faithful they
might be, but was a corporate entity, God's
visible, divinely commissioned organization
on earth."—S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
"Additional Note" on Revelation 12, page
814.
2.
On what basis was the remnant
reckoned in Paul's day? Rom. 11:5.
Compare Rom. 9:27.
NoTE.—"Notwithstanding Israel's failure
as a nation, there remained among them a
goodly remnant of such as should be saved.
At the time of the Saviour's advent there
were faithful men and women who had
received with gladness the message of John
the Baptist, and had thus been led to study
anew the prophecies concerning the Mes-
siah. When the early Christian church was
founded, it was composed of these faithful
Jews who recognized Jesus of Nazareth as
the one for whose advent they had been
longing."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
pages
376, 377.
3.
During the religious persecu-
tions of the Dark Ages, where did
Christians flee for protection, and in
what manner did help come? Rev.
12:14-16.
NOTE.—"A few centuries after Christ the
church experienced the great papal apos-
tasy. For some 1260 years papal power
more or less effectively suppressed and
scattered God's true representatives on
earth. . . . Through the Reformation of
the 16th century . . . God purposed once
more to lead forth a 'remnant,' this time
44
from mystical Babylon. Various Protes-
tant groups served as Heaven's appointed
harbingers of truth, point by point restor-
ing the glorious gospel of salvation. But
group after group became satisfied with
its partial concept of truth and failed to
advance as light from God's Word in-
creased. With each refusal to advance,
God raised up another group as His chosen
instrument for the proclamation of truth."
—S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
"Additional
Note" on Revelation 12, pages 814, 815.
4.
Against what special group is
Satan's warfare directed? What are
the unique, identifying marks of this
group? Rev. 12:17.
NOTE.—"This is
the
'remnant' of the long
and worthy line of God's chosen people
that has survived the fierce onslaughts of
the dragon down through history, most
particularly the darkness, persecution, and
error of the 'time, and times, and half a
time,' or 1260 'days' of vs. 6, 14. It is
God's
last
'remnant' by virtue of the fact
that it is the appointed herald of His final
appeal to the world to accept the gracious
gift of salvation (ch. 14:6-12)."—S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
"Additional Note" on
Revelation 12, page 815.
5.
Are all whom God accepts as
His true followers in one fold, or is
God still gathering His flock? John
10:16; ReV. 18:4.
NOTE.—"Notwithstanding the spiritual
darkness and alienation from God that
exist in the churches which constitute
Babylon, the great body of Christ's true
followers are still to be found in their
communion. There are many of these who
have never seen the special truths for this
time."—The
Great Controversy,
page 390.
"It is true that there are real Christians
in the Roman Catholic communion. Thou-
sands in that church are serving God ac-
cording to the best light they have."—/bid.,
p. 565.
"Christians of past. generations observed
the Sunday, supposing that in so doing
they were keeping the Bible Sabbath; and
there are now true Christians in every
church, not excepting the Roman Catholic
communion, who honestly believe that
Sunday is the Sabbath of divine appoint-
ment. God accepts their sincerity of pur-
pose and their integrity before Him."—
Ibid.,
page 449.
The Church
Militant
6.
To what are loyal witnesses for
Christ likened, and why are they
counseled to put on armor and take
spiritual weapons? 2 Tim. 2:3, 4; Eph.
6:11-13.
7.
According to Bible prophecies,
what special message will be given
to the world in the last days? Rev.
14:6-12.
8.
What downtrodden institution
will be uplifted by the remnant
church? Isa. 58:12, 13. Compare Rev.
12:17.
NorE,—"The Sabbath has been torn from
its place by the man of sin, and a common
working day has been exalted in its stead.
A breach has been made in , the law, and
this breach is to be repaired. The true
Sabbath is to be exalted to its rightful
position as God's rest day. . .
"The Sabbath question is to be the issue
in the great final conflict in which all the
world will act a part. Men have honored
Satan's principles above the principles that
rule in the heavens. They have accepted
the spurious sabbath, which Satan has ex-
alted as the sign of his authority. But
God has set His seal upon His royal re-
quirement. Each sabbath institution bears
the name of its author, an ineffaceable
mark that shows the authority of each. It
is our work to lead the people to under-
stand this. We are to show them that it
is of vital consequence whether they bear
the mark of God's kingdom or the mark
45
of the kingdom of rebellion, for they
acknowledge themselves subjects of the
kingdom whose mark they
bear."—Testi-
monies,
Vol. 6, pp. 351, 352.
9.
Why must God's last-day mes-
sage be proclaimed even to those
called "My people"? Rev. 18:4.
NoTE.—"Of Babylon, at the'time brought
to view in this prophecy, it is declared: 'Her
sins have reached unto heaven, and God
hath remembered her iniquities.' Revelation
18:5. She has filled up the measure of her
guilt, and destruction is about to fall upon
her. But God still has a people in Babylon;
and before the visitation of His judgments
these faithful ones must be called out, that
they, partake not of her sins and 'receive
not of her plagues.' Hence the movement
symbolized by the angel coming down from
heaven, lightening the earth with his glory
and crying mightily with a strong voice,
announcing the sins of Babylon. In con-
nection with his message the call is heard:
`Come out of her, My people.' These an-
nouncements, uniting with the third angel's
message, constitute the final warning to be
given to the inhabitants of the earth."—The
Great Controversy,
page 604.
10.
What is the great hope of the
church militant, and how does this
hope affect the daily life of the church
members? Titus 2:11-14.
The Church Triumphant
11.
What climactic event follows
the proclamation of the last-day mes-
sage? Rev. 14:14, 15. Compare Matt.
24:30; 25:31, 32.
12.
What does Christ do for His
people at the time of His coming?
Phil. 3:20, 21; 1 Cor. 15:51-54.
13.
Describe some of the glorious
experiences and privileges of the
members of the household of God
following the second coming of Jesus.
Rev. 7:14-17; 15:2, 3; 22:1-6.
Thoughts for Personal Meditation
"In vision I saw two armies in terrible
conflict. One army was led by banners
bearing the world's insignia; the other was
led by the bloodstained banner of Prince
Immanuel. . . . An angel flying in the
midst of heaven put the standard of
Immanuel into many hands, while a mighty
general cried out with a loud voice: 'Come
into line. Let those who are loyal to the
commandments of God and the testimony
of Christ now take their position.'.. .
"Now the church is militant. Now we are
confronted with a world in midnight dark-
ness, almost wholly given over to idolatry.
But the day is coming in which the
battle will have been fought, the victory
won. . . .
"This is the scene that is presented to
me. But the church must and will fight
against seen and unseen foes. . . . This is
no time for the people of God to be weak-
lings. We cannot afford to be off our
guard for one
moment."—Testimonies,
Vol.
8, pp. 41, 42.
"Every day some portion of
time should be appropriated
to the study of the lessons,
not merely in learning to me-
chanically repeat the words,
while the mind does not com-
prehend the meaning; but to
go to the very foundation,
and become familiar with
what is brought out in the
lesson."
—Counsels on Sab-
bath School Work,
page 53.
[ 46 ]
THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING
December 25, 1965
Australasian Division
The eyes of the Sabbath school this quarter will be focused upon the
Solomon Islands. This group of islands lies in the southwestern Pacific
Ocean. Most of them are in the British Solomon Islands Protectorate.
Australia governs Bougainville, Buka, and a few nearby islands as United
Nations trust territories. The Solomons cover 16,000 square miles, and have
a population of roo,000. The climate is hot, damp, and unhealthful. The
soil is fertile, but is not widely farmed. The islands are mountainous,
heavily wooded, and well watered.
The overflow from the Thirteenth Sabbath Offering this quarter will
go to help build a sixty-bed hospital on the island of Malaita, and to help
rebuild the Betikama Missionary School on Guadalcanal. The island of
Malaita is the last stronghold of heathenism in these lovely isles, and it
is believed that a hospital in the midst of the population of 55,000-850 of
whom are already Seventh-day Adventists—will help our missionaries in
our final witness to these poor people. The Betikama School has been
carrying on a good work for a number of years, and the buildings are
worn out. The Australasian Division is not proud of the appearance of
this school at the present time, but it is proud of the students who
have gone out from it to help carry on the Lord's work.
Lessons for the First Quarter 1966
Sabbath school members who have failed to receive a senior
Lesson Quarterly
for the first quarter of 1966 will be helped by the following outline in studying
the first lesson. The title of the lessons for the quarter is, "Lessons From the
Epistles to the Corinthians." The title of the first lesson is "Establishment of
the Corinthian Church." The memory verse is 1 Corinthians 2:1, 2. Study
helps are:
The Acts of the Apostles,
pages 243-254; and the
S.D.A. Bible
Commentary.
The texts to be studied are:
Ques. 1. Acts 15:36.
Ques. 8. Acts 18:4.
Ques. 2. Acts 15:37-40.
Ques. 9. Acts 18:5.
Ques. 3. Acts 16:1-3.
Ques. 10. Acts 18:6-8.
Ques. 4. Acts 16:6-10.
Ques. 11. Acts 18:9, 10.
Ques. 5. Acts 16:11.
Ques. 12. Acts 18:11.
Ques. 6. Acts 16:12, 13; 17:1, 2, 10,
Ques. 13. Acts 18:12-17.
11, 15-17.
Ques. 14. Acts 18:18.
Ques. 7. Acts 18:1-3.
47
DIVISION TOTALS
UNION
POPYLAVION
CNIACKS
BISMARCK-SOLOMONS U. M.
303,130
135
10,105
18.756
CENTRAL PACIFIC U. M.
914.796
91
8,063
10,711
CORAL SEA U. M.
1,764,500
145
15,449
45,501
TRANS-COMMONWEALTH U. C. 5,942,173
157
13,493
15,351
TRANS.TASMAN U. C.
7,290.485
197
20,299
22,174
16,215,084
725
67,409
112,493
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